On November 12, the President of the Russian League Against Epilepsy (RLAE), Editor-in-Chief of "Epilepsy and Paroxysmal Conditions" journal, Honored Scientist of the Russian Federation, Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences Gagik N. Avakyan passed away suddenly.

G.N. Avakyan graduated from Yerevan State Medical University in 1970. Since 1983, Gagik Avakyan has worked at the Department of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Medical Genetics of the Faculty of Medicine of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (earlier MOLGMI named after N.I. Pirogov).

Professor Avakyan's expert knowledge and competent opinion were known and appreciated by the entire professional community of neurologists.

Gagik Avakyan main scientific interests were in the area of epilepsy. He participated in numerous clinical studies on the efficacy of antiepileptic drugs and authored a number of publications on the epileptic system. These publications initiated the search for antiepileptic drugs based on the concept of the epileptic system. Professor Avakyan also participated in experimental preclinical studies aimed at assessing the anticonvulsant and antihypoxic effects of potential drugs.

G.N. Avakyan was actively involved in teaching and educating younger neurologists. In various periods of his career, Prof. Avakyan headed the student scientific club and then taught and trained post-graduates and PhD students.  Professor Avakyan was the head of the Faculty of Advanced Training of Medical Doctors (FUV). Until his last days he participated in the professional development programs for neurologists, epileptologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians and related specialists within the framework of continuous professional development of healthcare professionals. His vast experience and teaching quality allowed him to educate several generations of doctors, neurologists and epileptologists.

Along with scientific and educational work, Gagik Avakyan paid a lot of attention to public activities. Professor Avakyan has been the President of the Russian League Against Epilepsy (RLAE), the Russian branch of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), since 1998. Under the aegis of RLAE, regular expert councils were organized to discuss epilepsy and paroxysmal conditions. Gagik N. Avakyan guided and participated in the publications of RLAE resolutions and articles on topical issues, including the adaptation of the revised and updated ILAE epilepsy classification in Russian (2017); an editorial paper on restrictions on the use of valproic acid in female patients (2019); and RLAE guidelines on the use of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of epilepsy (2019). Unfortunately, he did not have time to realize his plans to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the Russian League Against Epilepsy in 2020.

Gagik N. Avakyan was one of the creators of the "Epilepsy and Paroxysmal Conditions" journal under the auspices of the Russian League Against Epilepsy. Under his leadership the journal became an information platform for those interested in epilepsy.

Gagik N. Avakyan has been awarded various prizes, including Diploma of the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Acknowledgement of the Ministry of Healthcare and Social Development, "Excellent Healthcare Specialist" of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation,  the "Commemoration of the 850th anniversary of Moscow" award, and the Order of Honor. Acknowledging his contribution to national health care, the development of medical science and many years of conscientious work, the President of the Russian Federation awarded Professor G.N. Avakyan the Order of Friendship on March 26, 2018. 

It is necessary to note the outstanding spiritual and ethical standards of Gagik N. Avakyan. We will remember him as an energetic, responsive, good-hearted and delicate person.

We mourn his untimely death, express our deepest condolences to the family and friends, and all those who knew and appreciated Gagik N. Avakyan. Bright memories of our joint work will remain with us forever.