Nino Aleksandres asuli Javakhishvili (1914–2012) was a Georgian anatomist, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Academician of the Georgian Academy of Sciences, and long-serving Director of the Alexander Natishvili Institute of Experimental Morphology.
Her scientific work was primarily focused on the morphology of the cardiovascular and peripheral nervous systems and problems of experimental medicine. Nino Javakhishvili was the author of 275 scientific papers and 7 monographs; some of her works were published in foreign languages.
From 1959, she headed the Institute of Morphology for almost half a century and played an important role in the development of the Institute’s scientific school, research areas, and international relations.
Education and the Beginning of Her Scientific Career
Nino Javakhishvili was born in Moscow on October 20, 1914. She grew up in the family of the renowned Georgian scientist, Academician Alexander Javakhishvili.
In 1935, she graduated from the Tbilisi Medical Institute and subsequently continued her scientific work in the fields of anatomy and experimental morphology.
From 1946, she worked at the Institute of Experimental Morphology of the Georgian Academy of Sciences, where she held various scientific and leadership positions.
In 1949, she was awarded the degree of Doctor of Medical Sciences, and in 1953, she became a Professor.
This first stage clearly demonstrates her rapid academic development and her connection with the Institute that she would later lead for almost half a century.
In 1935
Graduated from the Tbilisi Medical Institute
In 1946
Began Working at the Institute of Experimental Morphology
In 1949
Was Awarded the Degree of Doctor of Medical Sciences
In 1953
Became a Professor
Scientific Research
The main areas of Nino Javakhishvili’s scientific research were the morphology of the cardiovascular system, the peripheral nervous system, and various problems of experimental medicine.
A particularly important place in her research was occupied by the angioarchitecture of the heart and blood vessels, collateral circulation pathways, and mechanisms of restoration of coronary circulation. Her work in these areas was important both for fundamental morphology and for the development of experimental cardiology and restorative medicine.
Her scientific legacy includes 275 scientific papers and 7 monographs, while 43 of her papers were published in foreign languages. Nino Javakhishvili’s works were published both in Georgia and in the international scientific community.
275
Scientific Papers
7
Monographs
43
Papers Published in Foreign Languages
Significant Works
- “Form and Relationship of the Nerve Plexuses of the Spinal Cord and the Sympathetic Trunk” — 1952
- “Blood Vessels of the Heart / Сосуды сердца” — co-authored with Mamia Komakhidze
- Study of the Restoration of Coronary Circulation in Experimental Myocardial Infarction
- Study of the Collateral Pathways of the Hepatic Artery
- Le courant sanguin retrograde dans le myocard — 1977
Director of the Institute of Morphology
In 1959, following the death of Alexander Natishvili, Nino Javakhishvili became Director of the Institute of Experimental Morphology.
She headed the Institute from 1959 to 2006 — for 47 years. During this long period, the Institute continued to develop morphological sciences, experimental research, and new biomedical fields.
During her years of leadership, the Institute’s research profile expanded, experimental morphology, cardiovascular research, gerontology, and other fields developed, while international professional collaboration and the training of scientific personnel were strengthened.
From 2006, Nino Javakhishvili served as Honorary Director of the Institute and maintained her connection with the Institute until the end of her life.
International Scientific Recognition
Nino Javakhishvili was actively involved in professional scientific societies both at the Soviet Union and international levels.
From 1966 to 1977, she served as Vice-Chair of the All-Union Society of Anatomists, Histologists, and Embryologists and subsequently became its honorary member. She also served in the governing bodies of the All-Union Society of Gerontologists.
Her international scientific standing is also demonstrated by her membership in foreign professional societies. She was an honorary member of the scientific societies of anatomists, histologists, and embryologists of Hungary and Bulgaria, as well as of the Purkinje Medical Society of Czechoslovakia.
In 1979, Nino Javakhishvili was elected Academician of the Georgian Academy of Sciences.
Science and Public Service
Nino Javakhishvili’s activities were not limited to the scientific sphere. For many years, she also participated in public and state affairs.
At various times, she was a member of the highest legislative bodies of Georgia and the Soviet Union and participated in women’s and peace organizations.
Of particular significance to Georgia’s recent history is the fact that from 1990 to 1991, Nino Javakhishvili was a member of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia of the first convocation.
On April 9, 1991, she signed the Act of Restoration of State Independence of Georgia.
Academic Recognition and Awards
Nino Javakhishvili’s scientific and public activities were recognized with numerous professional and state honors.
In 1965, she was awarded the title of Honored Scientist of Georgia, and in 1979, she was elected Academician of the Georgian Academy of Sciences.
She was awarded the Order of Honor of Georgia, as well as the Orders of Lenin, the Red Banner of Labour, Friendship of Peoples, and the Badge of Honour, along with other medals.
In 1965
Honored Scientist of Georgia
In 1979
Academician of the Georgian Academy of Sciences
In 1995
Order of Honor of Georgia
Nino Javakhishvili’s Scientific Legacy
Nino Javakhishvili’s work is closely associated with the continuation and development of the morphological scientific school established by Alexander Natishvili.
During her 47 years as Director of the Institute, she made a significant contribution to preserving the research tradition of experimental morphology, developing new research areas, training scientific personnel, and integrating the Institute into the international professional community.
Her scientific works on the morphology of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, experimental medicine, and problems of blood circulation constitute an important part of morphological research.
Nino Javakhishvili died in Tbilisi on July 24, 2012. She is buried in the Saburtalo Pantheon.
In honor of her scientific legacy, the Institute later established the Academician Nino Javakhishvili Prize and Medal, which recognizes outstanding contributions to the morphological sciences.