Veteran Researchers Dismissed from Astrophysical Institute on Science Workers Day

Several Lunar and Planetary Physics Laboratory employees at the Fesenkov Astrophysical Institute were dismissed on Science Workers Day, Orda.kz reports.

The head of the laboratory, Viktor Teifel, shared the news on social media, stating that the staff had been let go without further explanation.

Unfortunately, I have to tell you some not very pleasant news. For our laboratory, its director and staff, today is the 'Last Day of Pompeii'. As of tomorrow, we have been dismissed from the institute completely unexpectedly and without explanation of the actual reasons,
 the scientist wrote.

The laboratory was expected to celebrate its 55th anniversary in 2025.

It is the only one that has maintained its status and main research direction over all these years, in which, as our foreign colleagues note, we were pioneers. And now this direction is preserved within the framework of the basic fundamental research program,
 the professor noted.

The institute later issued a press release addressing the situation.

Today, the age of the youngest researcher in the laboratory is 76 years old, and Viktor Teifel himself celebrated his 92nd birthday this year. Due to deteriorating health, he lost his sight and the ability to move independently,
 the statement reads.

According to the release, the decision was based on the absence of scientific continuity in the laboratory and the retirement age of its members. Teifel has headed the department since 1970.

Unfortunately, the problem of the lack of young people in the laboratory is protracted and has not been resolved over the past 20 years. This indicates a complete loss of the mechanism of scientific continuity. Unlike other laboratories of the institute, where there is a systematic renewal of the staff due to young specialists, the Teifel laboratory does not demonstrate similar processes,
 the message continues.

The institute stated that the decision was made "to improve the efficiency of scientific activity and develop human resources."

Vasily Grigorievich Fesenkov founded the Astrophysical Institute during the war in 1941 after the evacuation of astronomers to Almaty, and subsequently received his name. 

The institution is considered a leading scientific organization for fundamental research in astronomy and astrophysics in Kazakhstan. 

Original Author: Natalia Ovchinnikova