The Scientific Community of Adyghe State University Saddened by the Loss of Esteemed Russian Academy of Sciences Academician Mikhail Gorshkov

The university has received sad news. Mikhail Konstantinovich Gorshkov, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, long-time Director of the Institute of Sociology at the Federal Research Sociological Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy, laureate of the Russian Federation State Prize in Science and Technology, member of the expert council of the Russian Science Foundation, member of the Union of Writers of Russia, editor-in-chief of the scientific journals Vestnik of the Institute of Sociology and Sociological Science and Social Practice, and Honorary Doctor of Adyghe State University, has passed away.

Russian sociology has suffered an irreparable loss. The passing of not only a respected scholar and leader—author of over 350 scientific papers—but also a prominent figure in the Russian sociological community, whose extensive work had a fundamental influence on the development of sociology in Russia and our region. He was one of the founders of a new scientific field—the sociology of mass consciousness; the author of a dynamic concept for the formation and functioning of public opinion; and the developer of the theory and methods for sociological studies of states of mass consciousness, the structure of Russian identity, and the social types of citizens in post-Soviet Russia.

During his successful years as the head of leading scientific organizations in the Russian Federation, Mikhail Konstantinovich made strategic management decisions and built an effective team of like-minded individuals who ensured the high-quality execution of complex tasks, thereby preserving and enhancing the potential of Russian science. His personal contribution to the establishment of the Federal Research Sociological Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences and to its current productive development—particularly in scientific, educational, and expert work—is invaluable, making it one of the flagships of Russian social science.

Mikhail Konstantinovich's exceptional professionalism, extensive life experience, and scientific and professional achievements have earned him well-deserved authority and respect. He mentored a generation of gifted sociologists and made a significant contribution to the development of a new generation of Russian scientists, including those in the regions.

Mikhail Konstantinovich Gorshkov was a great friend of Adyghe State University for many years, visiting us on numerous occasions and actively promoting the development of sociological science in Adygea. Thanks to his active participation, the research organizations he headed always became reliable partners of ASU. Our university became a forum for social scientists from across Russia to network and share experiences, a respected venue for major international conferences, and his regular personal involvement consistently set a high standard. In recognition of his significant contributions to the development of sociological science in Adygea and the training of scientific personnel, he was awarded the title of "Honorary Doctor of ASU."

The scientific community of Adyghe State University mourns the passing of Mikhail Konstantinovich and expresses its deepest condolences to his family and friends. The bright memory of Academician Gorshkov will forever remain in our hearts, as well as in the memories of all who knew him—his comrades, colleagues, students, and followers.