Raul Gainetdinov, Director of the Institute of Translational Biomedicine at St Petersburg University, named a laureate of the Top 50 Most Famous People in St Petersburg 2023 award

Raul Gainetdinov is one of the world leaders in the field of pharmacology of the dopamine system. He is also a researcher internationally recognised for identifying and studying a new neurotransmitter system associated with trace amines. Previously, the scientist was engaged in research in the USA and Italy. In 2013, at the invitation of Rector of St Petersburg University Nikolay Kropachev, Raul Gainetdinov and his research team became part of Russia’s oldest university. With the support of St Petersburg University, a modern vivarium was built to house a collection of genetically modified animals transported from Italy for further research. The facility complies with all international standards. In 2015, with a grant from the Russian Science Foundation, a unique Institute of Translational Biomedicine was established at St Petersburg University. 

Raul Gainetdinov was nominated for the award for his ground-breaking research in the area of trace amines and trace amine-associated receptors. 

"I am honoured to be among the laureates. They are outstanding people. This award is the result of many years of work, not only mine, but also that of my colleagues and associates at St Petersburg University. It is nice to know that our hard work is worth it, and is appreciated by society. We are happy to continue working for the benefit of science and society," Raul Gainetdinov said.

Today, under the leadership of Raul Gainetdinov, the research team of the Institute of Translational Biomedicine at St Petersburg University is developing new drugs for the treatment of brain disorders, based on the latest advances in genetics and molecular biology.

In early 2022, the world-renowned scientist decided to abandon his status of a US green card holder and continue to conduct his advanced, cutting-edge research in Russia. Today, the St Petersburg University neuroscientist is actively developing novel drugs that can deal with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease. 

Professor Raul Gainetdinov is the author of 14 patents and over 300 research papers published in the world’s leading scientific journals, including: Science; Nature; Cell; and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. He consults to a number of international pharmaceutical companies. For three times, Raul Gainetdinov has been included in the list of the Web of Science Highly Cited Researchers in Pharmacology and Toxicology, which represents 0.1% of the most cited scientists in the world. He received a letter of appreciation from President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for merits in academic activities, training of qualified specialists and many years of conscientious work.