UNN researcher awarded for contribution to science

Vasily Otvagin, Associate Professor at the UNN Department of Organic Chemistry, was honoured with the Gazprom Science and Technology Prize for 2025 for his research work "A method for conservation of odorant vapours by forming sulfhydryl-aromatic associates to reduce toxic effects on humans and the environment."

Dr. Otvagin is part of a research team that includes colleagues from Gazprom Transgaz Nizhny Novgorod LLC. The project is supervised by Alexander Pikhotsky, Deputy General Director for Gas Pipeline Operations at Gazprom Transgaz Nizhny Novgorod LLC.

The study is focused on the important issue of neutralising odorants — chemical compounds used to detect natural gas leaks. Given their high toxicity and persistent odour, accidental release of these substances at gas distribution stations poses a serious risk to personnel and the environment. The authors have developed a universal method to contain such incidents promptly and effectively.