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I prefer not to dream but to set goals
How can you turn your insatiable curiosity into a profession and start creating products that truly impact people's health? How do you come up with an idea for a new product, and how can you maintain your interest in science? We discussed these questions with Ivan Brashko. The young scientist, a successful student mentor, and a person passionate about his work shared his professional journey at Ural State University of Economics.
— Ivan, how did you realize that you wanted to connect your professional activities with biotechnology?
My interest in biotechnology was nurtured by my professors, especially my supervisor, Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Donskova. My initial research interests focused on food product identification and traceability, as well as counterfeit detection to ensure Russia's food security.
When I was writing my master's thesis, I studied the works of Russian scientists such as V.M. Poznyakovsky , V.A. Tutelyan, M.A. Nikolaeva, and others on food ingredients, additives, and products, as well as how they can be used to create products that benefit public health. Over time, an interest arose in the development and creation of new food products that, thanks to their specialized or functional purpose, could bring real benefits to humans.
— Why did you choose USUE to continue your education?
It was the relevant training program for continuing my education, the highly qualified faculty I already knew, and the development opportunities. After reviewing the program, I didn't consider any other than USUE options. I began preparing for the entrance exams, passed them successfully, and was admitted to the university. For me, this also marked a slight shift in my educational focus: I switched to a related field to gain additional skills not only in product distribution, marketing, and management, but also in certification, conformity assessment, and product quality testing.
I've never regretted my choice, as the university allowed me to discover my strengths, captivated me with serious research, and gave me a great start in my career. Having achieved my MSc with honors, I decided to pursue postgraduate studies, where I began developing and creating new food products.
— What opportunities for implementing research projects are there at USUE?
First and foremost, it's the intellectual capital of the specialists who work at the university and share their experience and knowledge. Secondly, we have a large rich library, as well as access to electronic publications. Furthermore, the university has laboratories with the necessary equipment for project work. This infrastructure enables young scientists to successfully develop and achieve public recognition, including in the form of scholarships and awards.
— How is an idea for a new product born?
There are various approaches possible. The first is to work according to the company's technical specifications. The second is to follow the Customer Development approach: studying customer needs, identifying their "unmet pain points," and proposing solutions that meet the needs of specific consumer segments. If we're talking about a more creative search for ideas, I'd like to recall the words of our department's professor, Gennady Borisovich Pishchikov: "Research topics are everywhere—just go and write them down." Walking around the city with music on my headphones helps me find inspiration: afterward, I sit down and write down my ideas and implementation plan.
— What helps you maintain interest in research?
An insatiable curiosity. Scientific interests are the dominant part of my hobbies. I've managed to turn my hobby into a professional activity.
— Are there any projects that you are particularly proud of?
My greatest achievement is my PhD dissertation in the scientific specialty "Food Systems" (Engineering Sciences) in November 2025. I am grateful to my supervisor, associate professor Lyudmila Aleksandrovna Donskova, PhD in Agricultural Sciences, who supported and assisted me. I defended my work before a dissertation council established at Ural State University of Economics, and that carried a special responsibility.
I'm especially proud of the achievements of the students I mentor. Among them is our students' successful participation in the finals of Collab 2k25 startup incubator, as well as the prizes they won at the Eurasian Economic Youth Forum.
— Is there a professional dream that you have yet to realize?
I prefer not to dream but to set goals that need to be achieved. Now I'm working on obtaining a grant from the Russian Science Foundation to support the research of young scientists. Besides that, I'd like to see my developments on store shelves. I'm sure everything is ahead!
— What advice would you give to students just starting their career in science and biotechnology?
Now it is the best time for you to develop your abilities and skills. The university has everything you need to realize your potential. The time you invest in your studies and research today will certainly pay off—after all, you're choosing the right path.
