THE PATH OF A SCIENTIST AND A TEACHER: TO THE 90TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF IVAN MYKOLAYOVYCH BUTNYTSKYI

Abstract

This article is dedicated to a significant milestone – the 90th anniversary of Ivan Mykolaiovych Butnytskyi, a renowned Ukrainian scientist in the field of plant physiology, an experienced educator, and an authoritative organiser of higher education, PhD in Biological Sciences, and Associate Professor. The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the life path, scientific and social activities of the celebrant, whose name is inextricably linked with the establishment and flourishing of Ternopil Volodymyr Hnatiuk National Pedagogical University.
The authors meticulously reconstruct the scientist's biographical chronicle, delineating his origins in the Ivano-Frankivsk region and his academic pursuits at Chernivtsi State University, culminating in the period of active scientific inquiry. This study places particular emphasis on the administrative contributions of I. M. Butnytskyi during his tenure as Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Rector of the Institute (1982–1984). His contributions are particularly noteworthy in the modernisation of the educational process, the enhancement of the material and technical infrastructure, and the systematic provision of contemporary instrumentation to the laboratories of plant physiology and microbiology. These endeavours laid the foundation for the high-quality training of future specialists.
The scientist’s scientific output is examined through the prism of his fundamental research on polarity and the physiological and biochemical foundations of sexualisation in dioecious plants (Actinidia, Ginkgo biloba, Humulus, etc.). The significance of his experiments on the viability of male and female individuals, as well as interdisciplinary studies of the physiological activity of new chemical compounds, is revealed. A separate section highlights the results of work in the field of biological nitrogen fixation of leguminous crops, conducted in close coordination with the Institute of Plant Physiology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which had strategic importance for increasing soil fertility.
The pedagogical style of I. M. Butnytskyi is characterised as innovative for its time, with emphasis placed on the implementation of problem-based learning and the involvement of students in active scientific research. The article also covers the scientist's social position as the head of the Ternopil branch of the Ukrainian Society of Plant Physiologists and his role in nurturing a new generation of scientists. The conclusions emphasise the pivotal role of the scientist’s value orientations. The qualities of integrity, industriousness and a profound love of the profession that are embodied in Ivan Mykolaiovych are indicative of his role as an authoritative mentor, whose experience remains pertinent for the development of the modern scientific community.