Kirill Andreevich Bolshakov

Bora Dec. 11 (24), 1906, in Riazhsk, now in Riazan’ Oblast. Soviet inorganic chemist. Corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR (1958). Specialist in the chemistry and technology of rare trace elements and of the minor metals. One of the founders and organizers of the Russian rare element industry.

Bol’shakov graduated from the University of Kazan. From 1930 to 1947 he directed a laboratory at the State Scientific Research Institute for Rare Metals. In his teaching activity Bol’shakov has been closely associated (since 1933) with the M. V. Lomonosov Moscow Institute of Fine Chemical Technology where he successively occupied the posts of lecturer, assistant professor, professor, head of the subdepartment of the chemistry and technology of rare elements, and head of the laboratory founded by him in the same field; since 1958 he has been rector of the institute. His major research is devoted to the study of the physical-chemical bases of technological processes. He is the author of many scientific works and has many inventions to his credit. He edited the textbook for institutions of higher learning entitled The Chemistry and Technology of Rare and Trace Elements (vols. 1–2, 1965–69). He received the State Prize of the USSR (1941, 1953) and was awarded two Orders of Lenin and three other orders.