The Institute of Economics of NAS of Belarus held a round table in memory of a scientist who devoted her life to science and humanity: “The Family as the Foundation of the State: Legacy of L.P. Shakhotko and the Challenges of Our Time”

On May 15, 2025, the Institute of Economics of NAS of Belarus held a round table dedicated to family issues and the memory of the outstanding Belarusian scientist Lyudmila Shakhotko, a person whose name is firmly inscribed in the history of domestic demographic and sociological science.

Lyudmila Petrovna worked at the Institute of Economics for more than 30 years, was one of the founders of the demographic department at NAS of Belarus, and was a recognized expert in the field of social policy, family demography, and human development. Her works have received wide recognition not only in Belarus but also abroad.

This event was not just a scientific discussion, but a profound conversation about meaning: about the family as a fundamental value, about demographic sustainability, and about the role of scientists in society. Representatives of academia, higher education, research centers in Belarus and Russia, as well as government officials took part in the discussion.

The round table was moderated by Anastasia BOBROVA, Head of the Center of Demography and Human Development at the Institute of Economics of NAS of Belarus, who opened the meeting with words of gratitude to the memory of Lyudmila Petrovna, emphasizing her interdisciplinary scientific style, vivid research approach, and sincere commitment to serving society.

Andrei PILIUTIK, Deputy Director of the Institute of Economics, gave a welcoming speech, noting the importance of preserving the memory of scientists whose work serves society. He also congratulated the participants on the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, recalling the difficult trials that the people of Belarus had endured, and emphasized that family is the foundation not only of demography but also of national stability.

On behalf of the Institute of Sociology of NAS of Belarus, Nikolai SUKHOTSKY, Deputy Director for Science and Head of the Center of Political Science, delivered a welcoming speech. He noted the significant contribution of Lyudmila Shakhotko to sociological, demographic, and economic science and emphasized that she was not just a scientist, but also a bearer of a deep ethical culture, combining professionalism, intellect, and human warmth.

Alexandra SHABUNOVA, Director of the Vologda Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (VolSC of RAS), sent an online greeting to the participants, emphasizing L.P. Shakhotko’s contribution to the formation of scientific dialogue between countries and generations.

Anastasia BOBROVA opened the plenary session with a report entitled “L.P. Shakhotko: Ideas That Became the Foundation,” talking about Lyudmila Petrovna’s scientific career and intellectual legacy - her research, approaches, and human qualities.

During the round table, reports were presented that revealed various aspects of family policy and human development issues:

Antonina MOROVA, “The Family as the Foundation of Demographic Security”;

Ekaterina ANTIPOVA, Professor, Department of Economic and Social Geography, Belarusian State University, “L.P. Shakhotko: the role of geographical traditions in the formation and development of the demographic scientific school in Belarus”;

Olga KALACHIKOVA, Leading Researcher, Deputy Director for Scientific Work at the VolSC of RAS, “The transformation of the family institution in modern Russia” (online);

Anastasia NIKOLAEVA, Junior Researcher, Department of Sociology of the Social Sphere, Institute of Sociology of NAS of Belarus, “The Fatherhood Institution in the Context of Social Change in Belarus”;

Natalia YAKOVLEVA, Researcher, Department of Sociology of the Social Sphere, Institute of Sociology of NAS of Belarus, “Families Raising Children with Disabilities: Needs, Problems, Opportunities”.

Comments and scientific presentations were also made by:

Elena VANKEVICH, Vice-Rector for Scientific Work at Vitebsk State Technological University;

Evgenia KECHINA, Professor at the Department of Sociology, Belarusian State University;

Natalia PRIVALOVA, Head of the Department of Demographic Forecasts and Employment at the Scientific Research Economic Institute of the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Belarus;

Violetta SHUKHATOVICH, Head of the Department of Sociology of the Social Sphere at the Institute of Sociology of NAS of Belarus;

Natalia MAKOVSKAYA, Professor at the Department of Economics and Management, Mogilev State University named after A. A. Kuleshov.

The reports and presentations of the round table participants addressed topical issues of family policy, increasing the birth rate, supporting large families, the role of fathers in raising children, raising children with special psychological and physical needs, and other topics. The interdisciplinary nature of the discussion and the practical focus of the recommendations made the round table an interesting and productive event.

The round table became a significant event in the scientific life of the Institute and a symbol of respect for the scientific legacy of L.P. Shakhotko. It brought together generations of researchers and gave impetus to continue work on topical issues of demography and social sustainability.

The memory of Lyudmila Petrovna lives on - in her scientific works, in the hearts of her colleagues and students, in the topics she raised, and in the solutions that society is seeking today.