Gubkin Dynasties. The History of the Sunyaev Family

My name is Ravilya Safieva (Sunyaeva) and I want to share my story, which is inextricably linked with science, family and Gubkin University.

My family has always been an example of hard work and dedication to their work for me. The founder of our dynasty, my father, Zagidulla Iskhakovich Sunyaev, began his career as an engineer at the Novo-Ufimsky Oil Refinery (NUNPZ). His persistence and courage allowed him to implement a non-standard technical solution and achieve an incredible result: the delayed coking unit worked for a record 17 days instead of two, which was a real victory.

Construction site of the delayed coking unit, NUNPZ, 1954

Later, he headed the first experimental research workshop in the country, and then became the head of the department of oil and gas processing technology and the rector of the Ufa Oil Institute, created the Student Research Institute. It was he who introduced the term "oil dispersed systems", which is known to every student of an oil university today.

My grandmother, Dzhamilya Kalimullovna Urmancheeva, also played an important role in our family history. In difficult times, she made soap from natural components, which helped the family survive. Perhaps this was the first impetus for my father to choose his future profession – an engineer in the field of chemical technology of oil refining.

Parents Zagidulla and Meniri Sunyaev, 1955

The profession of my mother, Meniri Khusainovna Sunyaeva, is also partly related to chemistry. Mother was the head of a bakery, she cooked well herself and was the support of our family.

I remember my student years with bright moments: life in a dormitory, internships, friendship that lasts a lifetime. After university, I began working at Gubkin University, where I teach to this day. My specialization is the physical chemistry of oil dispersed systems, and I am proud that my graduate students continue to actively develop this area.

Our family is not only about science, but also about traditions. For example, annual meetings of graduates on the steps of the Chemistry Department, where the past seems to come to life. My eldest daughter Emilia continued the family business, graduating from the Chemistry Department of Lomonosov Moscow State University and writing a book on asphaltene-containing dispersions together with my brother, professor of the Physics Department of our university Rustem Sunyaev. My youngest daughter Alina chose economics, and I hope that one of my three granddaughters will definitely be interested in our profession.

Addressing young people, I want to say: education at Gubkin University is an excellent start for future engineers. But remember that in addition to knowledge, it is important to be proactive, daring and ready to take risks. This is the only way to reach real heights.

Ravilya Zagidullovna Safieva (Sunyaeva) at a lecture, 2025

My father used to say: "Dreams come true." He dreamed of a symposium on oil dispersed systems within the walls of our university, and this dream came true. The first Sunyaev Readings will be held this year.

I believe that your dreams will also come true if you pursue them with persistence. I hope our story will inspire you to new achievements!

Professor Sunyaev Zagidulla Iskhakovich (1929-2001)