The Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences suffered a grievous loss: on December 13, 2025, Irina Chubarenko, oceanographer, hydrophysicist, chief researcher at the Institute's Atlantic Branch, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, and head of the Marine Physics Laboratory, passed away.

Irina was distinguished by her boundless dedication to science, broad outlook, rare kindness, tact, sensitivity, and attentiveness. She was not only an outstanding scientist but also a wise mentor for yangers. From 1992 to 2005, more than 50 graduates from Kaliningrad entered the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) under her guidance.

She was distinguished by her precise thought, deep understanding of processes, and ability to see the system as a whole while simultaneously focusing on the details. She had a knack for expressing complex ideas in clear and simple terms, and her scientific works were distinguished by their impeccable literary style. In her scientific career, she combined fundamental theory, numerical and laboratory modeling, and full-scale experiments, consistently developing a comprehensive approach to studying the marine environment.

Her research interests focused on hydrophysics, geophysical fluid dynamics, coastal water hydrodynamics, convection, thermohydromechanics of the теуккфсешщт between shelf and open waters, physical limnology, and mixing processes, including those occurring during the transition through the temperature of maximum density. Her most recent work focused on the transport of microplastic particles with variable properties in aquatic environments, in ice, and at the water-bottom interface.

Irina was a bright, talented, and extraordinary individual with pronounced scientific leadership qualities, generously and voluntarily sharing her ideas and experience. Since 2015, she has led the first scientific group in Russia to study the dynamics of microplastics in the marine environment, and under her leadership, the team has achieved significant results and recognition in the global community. 

Irina was the author of over 180 scientific papers and three monographs, and a participant in major international conferences and their program committees. As a leader, she successfully implemented projects for the Russian Science Foundation, actively participated in the peer-review process, and served on one of the Russian Science Foundation's specialized expert councils.

Irina passing is an irreparable loss for the Institute of Oceanology and all those who were fortunate enough to work and interact with her. The staff expresses its sincere condolences to Irina's family and friends. The bright memory of this remarkable person will remain in our hearts, and her name will be etched in the history of science.

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