Akoyev and Electromagnetic Radiation

Summary

This CIA document provides information on the Soviet scientist Inal Georgiyevich Akoyev, a prominent biologist specializing in radiation. Akoyev, deputy director of the Institute of Biological Physics at the USSR Academy of Sciences, focused on the biological effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation (NIEMR). His work became particularly significant during the 1976 International Union of Radio Science conference, where he sharply criticized other Soviet NIEMR research, suggesting that Soviet microwave standards were overly restrictive. U.S. scientists appreciated his innovative approach, though they considered his ASTP experiment technically flawed. Akoyev also studied phenomena like phosphenes—flashes of light seen by pilots and astronauts—linked to UFO sightings.

Born in 1922 in Moscow, Akoyev had a diverse career spanning veterinary surgery to space research. His interest in radiation began in 1966 with studies on erythropoiesis in irradiated animals. Over the years, he collaborated on international projects, including multiple visits to the U.S. related to the ASTP. Though his English was slow, he was respected for his solid scientific background and quantitative approach to NIEMR research, which diverged from previous Soviet methodologies.