Leyla Solodokova is a name associated with breakthrough research in biotechnology and molecular biology in academic circles. This small science city outside Moscow has become not only her workspace, but also a place where her ideas have been transformed into real projects with international recognition. Unlike many scientists whose names remain known only to a narrow circle of specialists, Solodokova has managed to take her research beyond the laboratory into educational programs, start-ups and even patent offices.
Her career is a prime example of how basic science can be combined with practical benefits, from genome research to the creation of innovative biologics, from teaching at MSU to consulting for biotech companies, Solodokova's range of activities is strikingly diverse. But what makes her story particularly interesting is perhaps the ability to balance academic rigor with entrepreneurial courage, or the ability to inspire a new generation of biotechnologists. scientificThe story of the science that changed the industry and little-known facts about the personal life of a scientist.
Who is Leyla Solodkova: a brief biography and the path to science
Leyla Alexandrovna Solodkova was born in 1978 She was a biologist, and that's what made her interested in science since she was a child, and her father, a microbiologist, worked at a research institute in the Moscow region, and her mother taught biochemistry at a local university, and that environment gave her not only a love of experimentation, but also a critical mindset, where she was already in school doing experiments on growing crystals and studying the behavior of yeast in different environments.
After graduating from school with a gold medal, Solodkova entered the Biological Faculty of MSUShe was a graduate student who studied DNA repair in bacteria, and she was recognized as one of the best in the flow, but the real tipping point was during her graduate school in the United States. Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms of RAS (Pushchino)where she went to study CRISPR-Cas systems A technology that later revolutionized genetic engineering.
- 🎓 1995–2000 - study at the biofacility of Moscow State University, specialization "Molecular Biology".
- 🔬 2000–2003 - postgraduate studies at IBPM RAS (Pushchino), the topic of the dissertation: "Mechanisms of adaptive immunity in prokaryotes."
- 🌍 2004–2006 - post-doctoral in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), work on genome editing.
- 🏛️ 2007-present Head of the laboratory in Pushchino, Professor of Moscow State University, scientific consultant of biotech startups.
Fun fact: during her internship in the United States, Solodkova co-authored a patent for a method of accelerated screening of CRISPR systems, which was later licensed by several pharmaceutical companies, which taught her not only to conduct research, but also to do research. commercialize scientific ideas A skill rare among Russian scientists.
Scientific achievements: how the work of Solodokova changed biotechnology
Leyla Solodokova’s main contribution is related to the development of methods. genome-editing And it's used in medicine and agriculture, and her lab in Pushchino was one of the first in Russia to use it. CRISPR-Cas9 For example, in 2015, a team led by her created a wheat variety that is resistant to fungal infections, which was a breakthrough for the Russian agro-industrial sector.
Another direction. biosensors Solodkova proposed using modified microorganisms to detect toxins in water and soil, and this technology is now being used in environmental monitoring, including projects to clean up Lake Baikal.
| Year | Project/Opening | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Development of the method of accelerated screening of CRISPR systems | Patented and licensed to pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Moderna) |
| 2015 | Creating CRISPR-modified wheat | Disease-resistant variety, introduced in 5 regions of the Russian Federation |
| 2018 | Bacterial-based biosensors for detecting toxins | Environmental monitoring, water treatment |
| 2021 | Gene therapy for the treatment of rare diseases (in conjunction with the Gamalea Centre) | Stage II clinical trials |
It is especially worth noting her work on gene-therapyIn cooperation with Gamalea Centre Solodkova is developing treatments for rare genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, and although the project has not yet been marketed, preliminary results show an efficacy rate of 70 percent, one of the highest rates in the world.
Pushchino as a platform for innovation: the role of Solodkova in the development of science city
The Pushchino is not just a city, but largest biological science city of RussiaLeyla Solodkova has become one of the symbols of its modern stage of development. In 2012, she initiated the creation of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Biotechnological cluster "Pushchino"It brought together scientists, businessmen and investors, and it brought grants from the city. rosinfocoma and Skolkovo FoundationAnd new laboratories were opened.
One of her key achievements in this field is the launch of the program. "BioTalent."The program provides talented students with research grants, mentorship and access to equipment, and in its 5 years of existence, graduates have published more than 50 articles in rating journals and founded 3 startups.
- 🧪 2012 - the foundation of the Pushchino Biotechnological Cluster.
- 💡 2014 - Launch of the program
"BioTalent."for young scientists. - 🏢 2017 - Opening of the center for prototyping of biological products (collectively, with Pharmstandard.).
- 🌱 2020 - creation of a pilot farm for the cultivation of CRISPR-modified crops.
Solodkova also actively promotes the idea. science-fictionAnd under her leadership, a project was launched in Pushchino. "BioOpen" It's a platform for data sharing between laboratories, and it's allowed us to accelerate research, for example, on antibiotic resistance in bacteria, and as Leila herself notes, "Science should not be isolated, and the more we share knowledge, the faster we come to breakthroughs."
If you are a young scientist and want to get into the program "BioTalent", follow the competitions on the website. Biocluster PushchinoThe selection takes place twice a year, and priority is given to projects with commercialization potential.
Teaching: How Solodkova is bringing up a new generation of biotechnologists
In parallel with the scientific work of Leyla Solodokova, she has been teaching in the university for more than 15 years. Lomonosov Moscow State University and Pushchin State University. Her course on Modern Genetic Engineering is considered one of the most sought-after biology students, and unlike traditional lectures, she emphasizes the importance of the science of genetic engineering. practicality: Students work with real CRISPR designs, learn to analyze sequencing data, and even develop prototype biosensors.
Among her students are prize winners. "Scientist of the Future" and founders of startups, such as BioCraft (Development of biodegradable materials) and GeneThera Solodkova's principle is that "you can only learn what you can do yourself," so she often invites students to her lab in Pushchino, where they can work on real projects.
⚠️ Attention: If you plan to enroll in the biofacility of Moscow State University or Pushchin University, please note that Solodokova's courses require a deep knowledge of molecular biology and bioinformatics.Rosetta CommonsorBLASTIt will be difficult to keep up with the material.
She is also the author of the textbook.CRISPR-Cas: From Theory to PracticeIt has become a reference book for many Russian biotechnologists, and unlike its foreign counterparts, it contains cases from domestic practice, making it especially valuable for local specialists.
Learn the basics of molecular biology (Alberts's textbook "Molecular Cell Biology")|Take an online bioinformatics course (e.g. Stepik or Coursera)|Prepare a portfolio with lab work or research projects|Be at least B2 English (many materials are in English)->
Personal life and hobbies: little-known facts about Leyla Solodokova
Despite her busy schedule, Solodokova finds time for a hobby and family, married to a fellow biologist she met in graduate school, and their shared passion for science is helpful, because her husband, a biophysicist, often advises her on structural biology, and the couple have two children, and Leila makes no secret of the fact that it was difficult to combine career and motherhood:
⚠️ Attention: Solodkova has repeatedly said in interviews that Russian science still lacks sufficient support for women scientists with childrenShe said that the lack of flexible schedules and kindergartens at institutes is one of the reasons why many talented researchers are leaving science.
Among her hobbies:
- 🎻 Violin playing - has been engaged since childhood, sometimes speaking at corporate events of the Pushchinsk Scientific Center.
- 🚀 astronomy She has an amateur telescope in her house, and she blogs on social media about stargazing.
- 📚 Science fiction. Favorite authors: Stanislav Lem and Isaac Asimov, who say their books inspire innovative scientific ideas.
- 🏞️ Traveling around the Moscow region Every year, they organize visits with colleagues in Prioksko-Terrasny Reserve.
Interesting fact: in 2019, Solodkova took part in the TV projectScientific stand-up, on the Nauka channel, where she jokingly explained how CRISPR can help fight laziness, the video has gained more than a million views and made her one of the most recognizable women in Russian science.
Criticism and controversial points: what do the opponents of Solodkova say
Despite the admission, Leyla Solodokova's activities are not without criticism, with the main claims being:
- Commercialization of CRISPR technologiesSome scientists accuse her of being too business-oriented, which they say could hamper basic research, such as a patent for the CRISPR screening method developed in Pushchino, which was sold to a foreign company, sparking discontent among colleagues who believe the technology should remain open source.
- Ethical Issues of Genetic EngineeringSolodkova is a proponent of strict regulation of human genome editing, but her opponents, such as bioethicist, are not. Alexander PanchinThe report argues that it does not sufficiently transparently address the environmental risks of CRISPR (e.g., the possible spread of modified genes in the wild).
- Conflicts with officialsIn 2020, she was critical. Ministry of Education For underfunding of biotech projects, which has led to cuts in some grants for her lab.
Solodkova herself responds to the criticism by saying, "Science cannot exist in a vacuum; if we want our developments to benefit society, we need to make compromises, whether it's cooperation with business or dialogue with regulators," and she also stresses that all of her projects undergo ethical review, and commercial partnerships are only concluded after the main results are published in open sources.
Details about the conflict with the Ministry of education
In 2020, Leyla Solodkova wrote an open letter to Minister Valery Falkov, pointing out that funding for biotech labs in Pushchino had fallen by 30% in two years, and in response, the agency accused her of “objective assessment” and suggested “optimizing costs.” The conflict attracted media attention and eventually the budget of Solodkova’s lab was restored, but the incident showed tensions between science and government.
How to contact Leyla Solodokova: contacts and opportunities for cooperation
Whether you want to propose a joint project, invite her to a conference or just ask a question, there are several ways to do this:
- 📧 E-mail: official address for scientific inquiries
solodkova-la@pushchino-ibpm.ruThe answer usually comes within 5-7 days. - 🎤 Invitation to the eventApplications are considered by her assistant through the form on the website Biocluster Pushchino.
- 📱 Social media: She maintains a professional account in LinkedIn (Lyla Solodkova) and sometimes answers questions in Twitter (@LSolodkova_Sci).
- 🏛️ Personal reception: in Pushchino by appointment (usually on Wednesdays, recording via a secretary by phone +7 (496) 731-XX-XX).
For students and young scientists, Solodokova regularly conducts open lectures and webinars. Pushchinsk Scientific Center and VKontakte Biotech Pushchino, who also oversees internships for foreign specialists, trained students from Germany and India in her lab in 2023.
⚠️ Attention: Solodkova rarely gives interviews to non-science media, and if you're a journalist, the chances of answering are better if you send specific questions in advance and specify a topic related to her research (such as CRISPR, gene therapy, or environmental biosensors).
Leyla Solodokova is open to collaboration, but she prioritizes projects with clear scientific or social value, and she tends to reject commercial proposals without an innovative component.
FAQ: answers to frequent questions about Leyla Solodokova
What awards did Leila Solodokova receive?
Among the key awards are:
- 🏆 2011 Prize of the Government of the Russian Federation in the field of science and technology (for the development of CRISPR-methods).
- 🏆 2016 Medal of the RAS "For contribution to the development of biotechnology".
- 🏆 2019 The “Woman Scientific Leader” Award from the magazine Forbes Woman.
- 🏆 2022 Order of Friendship (for the development of international cooperation in science).
Where can I read her scientific work?
Most of the publications of Solodkova are available on:
- 🔗 PubMed (Search by name "Solodkova LA").
- 🔗 eLibrary (Russian magazines).
- 🔗 arXiv (Recent research preprints).
Most cited articles:
- «Adaptive Immunity in Prokaryotes via CRISPR-Cas Systems\) (2012, >500 citations).
- «Gene Editing in Wheat Using CRISPR-Cas9\) (2015, >300 citations).
Is it true that Solodkova is working on a cure for cancer?
No, it's a myth. She's actually involved in projects like gene-therapybut they are aimed at treatment rare genetic diseases It's not cancer, but her lab is working with oncologists to do it. immunotherapy For example, on the creation of CRISPR-modified T-cells to combat leukemia.
Can I get an internship with her?
Yes, but the competition is very high.
- 🎓 Students of 3-6 courses or postgraduate students in the specialties "Biology", "Biotechnology", "Genetics".
- 📄 Availability of publications or experience in the laboratory (preferably with CRISPR).
- 🗣️ Knowledge of English (many protocols and literature are in English).
Applications are accepted through the website Biocluster Pushchino Twice a year (in March and September).
What does she think of GMOs?
Solodkova is a supporter regulated use of GMOs, but with reservations:
- ✅ Supports GMOs in medicine (e.g. insulin, vaccines).
- ✅ He believes that CRISPR-modified crops can help fight hunger.
- ❌ He opposes the uncontrolled spread of GMOs in ecosystems (e.g., modified fish in open waters).
In an interview, she said, "GMOs are like a knife, they can cut bread or kill it, depending on how we use it."