Ph.D., professor, honored figure of science of the ASSR
He was on December 7, 1875, in Shushi. After graduating from the local diocesan school, he continued his studies at the University of Berlin.
In 1903, he defended his dissertation and received a Ph.D. degree at the University of Heidelberg. Returning to Shushi, in 1904-1907, Hovhannisyan taught chemistry in local schools. Then he studied physical chemistry and microbiology at the universities of Strasbourg and Berlin.
In 1907-1920, H. Hovhannisyan headed the chemical-microbiological laboratory in Baku. In 1917, he joined the Communist Party and became an active politician. In 1918, he became a commissar of refugee affairs in the Baku Commune. In 1920-1921, Hovhannisyan worked in Shushi and Dilijan, and in 1921, he transferred to Yerevan.
In 1922-1930 H. Hovhannisyan was YSU rector. In 1924, he created a chair of biochemistry at the university, which later operated at the medical institute under his leadership until 1937. In 1925, Hovhannisyan became professor. From 1930-1936, he worked as the director of the medical institute. In September 1936, he was appointed as the director of the zoological institute of the Armenian branch of the USSR Academy of Sciences.
Of Hovhannisyan's scientific works, the studies on the structure of vitamin C are particularly valuable. He is also the author of many public speaking articles. The organization of the Medical Institute, its chairs and clinics, their strengthening, and even the construction of the modern building of the Institute are closely related to Hovhannisyan’s name.
H. Hovhannisyan took an active part in developing problems of the chemical industry and science development in Armenia and prepared personnel in this direction.
During his life, Hovhannisyan occupied many positions in the Communist Party of Armenia.
In 1935, he became an honored figure of science of the ASSR.
H. Hovhannisyan is one of the victims of Stalinist violence. His scientific and public activity was interrupted in 1937.
He passed away on December 22, 1941, in exile, and was justified posthumously.
