Alexey Mikhajlovitch Matjushkin

On the 7th of July, 2004, at 77 years of age, died Alexey Mikhajlovitch Mat-jushkin - a Doctor of Psychology and outstanding scientist, teacher and professor, one of the organizers of Russian psychological science, and full member of The Russian Academy of Education.

Right after demobilization he entered the psychological department of the philosophic faculty of M.V. Lomonosov State University of Moscow. His scientific activity started at S.L. Rubenstein&s school. Having absorbed the scientific ideas of his teacher and of other great domestic psychologists - P.Y. Galperin, A.R. Lurii, B.V. Zejgarnik, A.V. Zaporozhetz, A.A. Smirnov, he became worthy of their glory. His scientific proceedings rank deservedly among the greatest works of domestic and foreign psychologists.

It is difficult to overestimate Alexey Mikhajlovitch&s role in the history of Russian psychology development. He devoted much time and energy to administrative and social work, was a director of the Institute of General and Pedagogical Psychology of APS (Academy of Pedagogical Science) of USSR, headed the Society of Psychologists of USSR, and was the chief editor of «Issues of Psychology».

Owing to him, the Institute acheived the highest level of basic research, and many of its intellectually-gifted young scientists became eminent scholars and heads of scientific departments.

Aleksey Mikhajlovitch was the chief editor of the «Issues of Psychology» Journal for more than eleven years, since 1981, and founded scientific traditions that are still reported in the Journal.

Despite the complex political and ideological situation of that time, many authors& ideas, as well as materials from various scientific schools and directions, including opposite concepts, led to real discussions and were reflected on the pages of the Journal. At the same period, much more foreign authors& works that represented rather controversial concepts appeared in the Journal.

Alexey Mikhajlovitch made an invaluable contribution to the evolution of humanistic ideas in domestic psychology. He devoted his efforts to establishing active mutual relations with American psychologists and psychotherapists at the time when it was practically impossible. Owing to him, domestic psychologists got acquainted with the works of the outstanding psychologist-humanist Carl Rogers, who notably influenced the scientific views of domestic scientists and psychological experts.

Alexey Mikhajlovitch is the author of more than 200 scientific works, which have made a significant contribution to the development of fundamental issues of psychology: training and development, thinking, creativity, and endowments. His ideas continue to live in the works of his followers and numerous pupils.

An outstanding scientist passed away... We make our farewell to Alexey Mikhajlovitch and grieve for him together with all of the psychological community.