QSAR 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award

Scientists, working in the area of QSAR modelling, awarded prof. Ovanes Mekenyan for his overall contribution to the field

 

So what exactly are QSAR models? QSARs (Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship) are mathematical models, based on the quantitative relationship between the structure of the chemicals and their activity. These models can be used to predict physicochemical and biological properties of newly synthesized molecules,
as well as their environmental fate and ecotoxicity. The predictions are based on the accumulated knowledge on chemical structures and the results are used by the regulators and industrial organizations worldwide as an alternative of the testing on animals. The development of QSAR models with sufficiently high reliability and predictability is of particular importance to the chemical industry worldwide. A number of international directives and legislative regulations restrict the testing on animals. The regulators encourage the use of reliable predictions when the companies register new chemicals (a mandatory stage that precedes their mass industrial production). Scientists, working in the area of QSAR modelling gather at specialized QSAR conferences regularly to demonstrate their progress in molecular modelling, to analyze the existing models, as well as to lay the foundations of NAMs (New Approach Methodologies) aiming to increase the reliability of model predictions.
The most prestigious conference in the field - International Workshop on (Q)SAR in Environmental and Health Sciences is held every 2 years. This year, due to the pandemic situation, it was held in a virtual environment (19th International Workshop on (Q)SAR in Environmental and Health Sciences (QSAR 2021): Virtual, 7-9 June 2021). On the last day of the conference was presented the "Lifetime Achievement Award" for overall contribution to the QSAR modelling field.

This year, the prestigious award was presented to prof., D. Sc. Ovanes Mekenyan, head of the LMC (Laboratory of Mathematical Chemistry) at the Bourgas "Prof. As. Zlatarov" University. This is another recognition of the scientific achievements of prof. Mekenyan after the Science Award "Pythagoras" (Sofia, 2012) and "Lush Award for Science" (London, 2014). These awards are a recognition for the work of all LMC members and their efforts in the field of modelling of toxicological and environmental effects. The awards increase the authority of the Laboratory of Mathematical Chemistry - leaders in the QSAR modelling, as well as helping in popularization of "Prof. As. Zlatarov" University, Bourgas in a global aspect.