February 12, 2019 was the 80th birthday of Prof. D.V.M. Pavol Dubinský, D.Sc., one of the most noteworthy Slovak parasitologists and the former director of the Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, in Košice (IP SAS).
Prof. Dubinský graduated from School of Agriculture (now University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy) in Košice in 1962, and started his meticulous scientific career at the IP SAS (formerly Helminthological Institute). At the Department of Morphology and Physiology he dealt with the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the survival of helminth propagative stages and physiology of helminth developmental stages, as well as their adaptation to the parasitic mode of existence, and its impact on host organisms.
In 1988 he became the Director of IP SAS and held this position for five terms until 2007. After the establishment of the independent Slovak Republic in 1993, he ensured the formation of independent and complex parasitological research. His attention focused on recent global problems in parasitology related to the existing trends in the spread of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases. He was among the key researchers in the projects of the European scientific programs (FP5) EchinoRisk and TrichiPorse focused on alveolar echinococcosis and trichinellosis.
Prof. Dubinský was one of the founding members of the Slovak Society for Parasitology and served as its president for the period of 14 years (1994 to 2008). As an extensively recognized expert, he was a member of several international organizations. He worked as Vice President of the World Federation of Parasitologists, Slovak representative in the International Commission on Trichinellosis and member of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology. For many years he had been editor-in-chief of the internationally recognized scientific journal Helminthologia. He worked as editorial board member in several scientific and professional journals.
Among many awards for the scientific merit and popularization of science in Slovakia, prof. Dubinský was in 2008 awarded by the 2nd Class Pribina Cross. This medal was presented by the President of the Slovak Republic “for his significant contribution to social and economic growth of the Slovak Republic“.
Prof. Dubinský also implemented the results of parasitological research into the veterinary practice by participation in extensive lecturing activities. He supervised large numbers of diploma and doctoral students and worked in pertinent committees for habilitation and inauguration of university pedagogical staff.
In the present, Prof. Dubinský is the designated Emeritus Scientist at his home institute IP SAS in Košice. He is still active as an scientist, management consultant, and a mentor for young scientists and students. In the leisure time he devotes himself to his two great hobbies - beekeeping and gardening.
All former fellow workers want to express to Prof. Dubinský their heartfelt appreciation for all professional opportunities he had provided for many years and for his friendly and caring attitude. They pray for his solid health, wish a lot of creative powers, happiness and joy in his personal life!