Evgenia Lushikhina was the only woman in her field, demonstrating that in breeding, not only knowledge but also patience, consistency, and dedication to the cause are important. She continued the scientific legacy of her father, Academician Mikhail Nikolaevich Lushikhin, dedicating her career to the development and improvement of the Kyrgyz mountain merino.
After completing her postgraduate studies at the Institute of Experimental Biology of the Academy of Sciences of the Kazakh SSR in 1969, Evgenia Mikhailovna rose from a laboratory assistant to the chief researcher and head of the laboratory. She headed the laboratory at the Institute of Biology and Soil Science of the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz SSR, as well as the laboratory of genetics and biotechnology at the Biotechnology Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, where she worked until 2020.
Photo of the National Academy of Sciences
Her scientific achievements are of strategic importance for the country. In 2005, it was proven that the quality of the wool of the Kyrgyz mountain merino is comparable to its Australian counterpart — the indicator of 18 microns became a true "gold reserve" of the republic. Moreover, she was one of the first to pay attention to the problems of pasture degradation, soil erosion, and the need for a scientific approach to animal husbandry, warning of the risk of desertification in mountainous regions.
Until her last days, Evgenia Mikhailovna remained an active advocate for her field, deeply affected by the loss of production capacities, yet continuing to hope for the revival of Kyrgyz agriculture and the return of domestic products to international markets. As an educator, she made science accessible and engaging, emphasizing that breeding is the labor of entire generations.
The name of Evgenia Lushikhina will forever remain in the memory of Kyrgyz science and agriculture. Eternal memory to her for her service to the country and its future.
