{{Short description|Belarusian scientist and civil activist}} {{Infobox person | name = Siarhei Besarab | native_name = {{nobold|Сяргей Бесараб}} | native_name_lang = be | image = Siarhei Besarab outdoor event Minsk September 2016.jpg | caption = Siarhei Besarab, 2016 | birth_place = Novogrudok, Byelorussian SSR<!-- DO NOT LINK, see MOS:GEOLINK for further guidance -->, Soviet Union<!-- DO NOT LINK, see MOS:GEOLINK for further guidance --> | citizenship = Belarusian | education = Belarusian State University | occupation = {{hlist|Scientist|Chemist|Inventor|Civil activist|Futurologist}} | employer = *National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (2010-2020) *Global Catastrophic Risk Institute (2025) | known_for = *Notable Belarusian science communicator *CBRN safety and nuclear issues expert, known for extensive media engagement and public outreach *Public criticism of the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant’s safety systems *Highlighting political repression in the Belarusian scientific community *Advocacy for academic freedom and human rights in Belarus | callsign = EU1AEY | website = https://steanlab.github.io | module = {{ Listen |embed= yes |filename = Voice_introduction_of_Siarhei_Besarab.ogg | title =Siarhei Besarab's voice sample in Belarusian| type = speech| description = For Wikipedia:Voice intro project }} | signature = Siarhei Besarab (scientist) signature.svg }}
'''Siarhei Besarab''' ({{IPA|be|ˈsʲargej bʲesɐˈrab|-|audio=Be-Siarhei Besarab-Pronuciation.oga}}{{Efn|{{langx|be|Сярге́й Васіле́віч Бесара́б|Siarhei Vasilevič Besarab}};{{langx|ru|Серге́й Васи́льевич Бесара́б|Sergey Vasilyevich Besarab}}; Łacinka: ''Siarhiej Vasilievič Biesarab''; Belarusian Arabic alphabet: "ثَرْهَيْ وَثِلَوِچْ بَصَرَبْ'"}}) is a Belarusian chemist,<ref>{{Cite web |last=MotolkoHelp |title=Opinion. Siarhei Besarab, a research chemist, on the impact of reagents on bridge design |url=https://motolko.help/en-opinions/opinion-siarhei-besarab-on-the-impact-of-reagents-on-bridge-design/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=MotolkoHelp |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |title=К Дню изобретателя и рационализатора |trans-title=By the Day of Inventors and Innovators |journal=Изобретатель |language=ru |publication-date=2016 |volume=198 |issue=6}}</ref> civil activist,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-23 |title="Каб я ведаў, што гэта дзяржтаямніца, то можа і не пісаў бы так хвацка". Хімік Сяргей Бесараб расказаў, як сумяшчае навуку і грамадзянскую пазіцыю |trans-title=Chemist Siarhei Besarab told how he combines science and civic activism |url=https://nashaniva.com/337123 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref> and science communicator<ref>{{Cite web |title=Бесараб: "Беларускім прадпрыемствам грошы вельмі патрэбныя, і ў цяперашніх варунках для іх «вайна — маці родная" |trans-title=Besarab: Belarusian enterprises need moneys very much, and in the current situation for them 'war is a mother-in-law' |url=https://gazetaby.com/post/besarab-belaruskim-pradpryemstvam-groshy-velmi-patrebnyya-i-u-cyaperas/200599/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528074636/https://gazetaby.com/post/besarab-belaruskim-pradpryemstvam-groshy-velmi-patrebnyya-i-u-cyaperas/200599/ |archive-date=2024-05-28 |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=gazetaby.com |language=be |quote=Журналіст абмеркаваў з навукоўцам і самым вядомым беларускім навукова-тэхнічным блогерам Сяргеем Бесарабам перспектывы і сутнасць беларуска-расійскага супрацоўніцтва ў авіябудаўніцтве |trans-quote=The journalist discussed outlook for the future of Belarusian-Russian cooperation in aviation with Siarhei Besarab, a scientist and the most well-known Belarusian science and technology blogger}}</ref> known for his contributions to popularizing science in the fields of radioactivity, nuclear safety, and environmental protection.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-06 |title=VOA Exclusive: Ukraine Says Photos Show Russia Dug Trenches in Chernobyl’s Radioactive Soil |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/voa-exclusive-ukraine-says-photos-show-russia-dug-trenches-in-chernobyl-s-radioactive-soil/6518700.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922163157/https://www.voanews.com/a/voa-exclusive-ukraine-says-photos-show-russia-dug-trenches-in-chernobyl-s-radioactive-soil/6518700.html |archive-date=2022-09-22 |access-date=2026-01-16 |website=Voice of America |language=en |quote=Belarus-based science journalist Siarhei Besarab told VOA that the area around Chernobyl’s No. 4 reactor is contaminated with the three most common types of radiation: alpha particles, beta particles and gamma ray-irradiated soil}}</ref> A specialist in surface science, he formerly worked as a researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus.
Following the 2020 Belarusian protests, Besarab was dismissed from his academic position. He subsequently became a prominent critic of the safety protocols at the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant and published analyses regarding the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web |date=2023-03-29 |title=Білоруський радіаційний хімік: Білорусь із ядерною зброєю — це мавпа з гранатою |trans-title=Belarusian nuclear chemist: Belarus with nukes is a monkey with a grenade |url=https://www.rfi.fr/uk/%D0%BC%D1%96%D0%B6%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D1%96-%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/20230329-%D0%B1%D1%96%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%83%D1%81%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%96%D0%B0%D1%86%D1%96%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%85%D1%96%D0%BC%D1%96%D0%BA-%D0%B1%D1%96%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%83%D1%81%D1%8C-%D1%96%D0%B7-%D1%8F%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%8E-%D0%B7%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%94%D1%8E-%D1%86%D0%B5-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BF%D0%B0-%D0%B7-%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%8E |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329104756/https://www.rfi.fr/uk/%D0%BC%D1%96%D0%B6%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B4%D0%BD%D1%96-%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B8/20230329-%D0%B1%D1%96%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%83%D1%81%D1%8C%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B4%D1%96%D0%B0%D1%86%D1%96%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%85%D1%96%D0%BC%D1%96%D0%BA-%D0%B1%D1%96%D0%BB%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%83%D1%81%D1%8C-%D1%96%D0%B7-%D1%8F%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%8E-%D0%B7%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%94%D1%8E-%D1%86%D0%B5-%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%BF%D0%B0-%D0%B7-%D0%B3%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%BE%D1%8E |archive-date=2023-03-29 |access-date=2026-02-10 |website=RFI |language=uk}}</ref> In June 2023, citing political persecution and facing charges from the Belarusian KGB, he left the country for the European Union
== Early life and education == Siarhei Besarab was born in 1984 in the city of Novogrudok in the Grodno Region of western Belarus.<ref name=":4">{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffLIJD4RGxs |title=Яго звольнілі з Акадэміі Навук: Лукашэнка, бомба 50 кілатон, чаму навука Беларусі ў срацы. Навуковец Сяргей Бесараб |last=Melkazioraŭ |first=Mikita |type=Video |language=be |trans-title=He was fired from the Academy of Sciences. Scientist Siarhei Besarab tells about Lukashenka, a nuclear bomb of 50 kilotons and why the science of Belarus is destroyed |access-date=2024-04-23 |via=}}</ref> He graduated with honors from Secondary School No. 3 in Novogrudok, where he won several awards at regional and national chemistry olympiads during his school years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-07 |title=«Спасибо всевышнему, что уцелел». Известные беларусы рассказали, какими они были в школе, и поделились своими фото тех лет — смотрите |trans-title=Famous belarusians share rare childhood school photos and stories |url=https://news.zerkalo.io/life/119726.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260207124310/https://news.zerkalo.io/life/119726.html |archive-date=2026-02-07 |access-date=2026-02-07 |website=Зеркало |language=ru |quote=Ученый-химик Сергей Бесараб в 10-м классе на соревновании по туристско-прикладному многоборью (ТПМ), 2001 год. Новогрудок — городок «горный», спортивный туризм был любимым видом спорта с начальной школы, — вспоминает Сергей Бесараб. — Учился в средней школе № 3. Большую часть времени тэпээмом, родимым, и занимался. В перерывах между химией, конечно |trans-quote=Novogrudok is a 'mountainous' town; sports tourism was my favorite sport since elementary school, recalls chemist Siarhei Besarab. I studied at Secondary School No. 3. I spent most of my time on TPM—my beloved tourist-applied multi-sport—and chemistry in between.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |year=2001 |title=Таленты побач |trans-title=Talents Among Us |work=Novae Zhytstsio |page=3 |language=be |publication-place=Novogrudok |issue=71 (8256)}}</ref> In recognition of his academic performance in chemistry, Besarab received a local student distinction which included the ceremonial wearing of the academic gown belonging to Boris Kit, a rocket scientist originally from the region.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-06 |title=114 гадоў з дня нараджэння Барыса Кіта |trans-title=Celebrating 114 Years Since the Birth of Barys Kit, Belarusian-American Rocket Pioneer |url=https://racyja.com/by/kultura/114-hadou-z-dnja-naradzennja-barysa-kita/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406084805/https://racyja.com/by/kultura/114-hadou-z-dnja-naradzennja-barysa-kita/ |archive-date=2024-04-06 |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=Рацыя |language=be |quote=Сяргей Бесараб – адзін з тых вучняў Наваградка, якому за поспехі ў вучобе пашчасціла ганарова насіць мантыю Барыса Кіта, якую вучоны ў свой час перадаў на вечнае захаванне ў Наваградскі гісторыка-краязнаўчы музей. |trans-quote=Siarhei Besarab was one of the few high school students in Novogrudok who received a special honor for academic excellence: he was chosen to wear the academic gown of Barys Kit, a renowned Belarusian-American rocket scientist. Kit donated his gown to the local history museum so that it could be awarded to outstanding students as a way to inspire them and connect them to his scientific legacy.}}</ref> [[File:Siarhei Besarab during a laboratory microbiology session at the Faculty of Chemistry Belarusian State University 2008.jpg|left|thumb|Siarhei Besarab during a laboratory microbiology session at the Faculty of Chemistry Belarusian State University (2008)|alt=Student in a laboratory working with a microscope and scientific equipment during a microbiology session at the Faculty of Chemistry, Belarusian State University.]] Besarab received his Bachelor of Science from the Department of Radiation Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Belarusian State University, where he conducted research on radiation-induced free radicals under the supervision of Professor Oleg Shadyro, a leading specialist in the study of radiation effects.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-15 |title="Гэта можа выклікаць рак". Навуковец б'е трывогу адносна таго, што ў Беларусі пачалі апраменьваць прадукты радыяцыяй |trans-title=‘This Could Cause Cancer’: Scientist Raises Alarm Over Radiation-Treated Food in Belarus |url=https://nashaniva.com/312244 |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be |quote=Сяргей Бесараб - выпускнік кафедры радыяцыйнай хіміі БДУ, дзе ён займаўся менавіта свабоднымі радыкаламі, якія ўзнікаюць пад уздзеяннем радыяцыі. Яго навуковы кіраўнік, прафесар Алег Шадыра, лічыўся найлепшым спецыялістам у даследаванні ўплыву радыяцыі. |trans-quote=Siarhei Besarab is a graduate of the Department of Radiation Chemistry at Belarusian State University, where he specialized in studying free radicals generated by radiation exposure. His academic advisor, Professor Oleg Shadyro, is recognized as a leading expert in the study of radiation effects.}}</ref>
He earned his master's degree in chemistry at the University of National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (NASB). His master's research was supervised by Alexander Tretyak, a Belarusian specialist in glass chemistry and functional glass materials.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-28 |title=В Канаде рассказали о прорывной разработке, которую в Беларуси зарубили много лет назад. Как такое происходит, объяснил автор проекта |trans-title=Canada Unveils Breakthrough Innovation Rejected Years Ago in Belarus — Project's Creator Explains Why It Happens |url=https://news.zerkalo.io/economics/62224.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228121912/https://news.zerkalo.io/economics/62224.html |archive-date=2024-02-28 |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=Зеркало |language=ru |quote=Руководитель моей магистерской программы - это Александр Николаевич Третьяк. Уникальный, если не единственный в Беларуси специалист по химии стекла и хрусталя, который долгое время пытался привлечь внимание к необходимости разработки в Беларуси собственных функциональных стекол |trans-quote=My master's program was led by Alexander Nikolaevich Tretyak — a unique, and perhaps the only, expert in glass and crystal chemistry in Belarus. For years, he worked to draw attention to the urgent need for developing Belarus’s own functional glass materials.}}</ref> Following his master's studies, Besarab conducted doctoral research in surface science under the guidance of academician Vladimir Komarov at the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry at NASB.<ref name=":5" /> Komarov is recognized as a leading Belarusian chemist and founder of the national school of adsorption science.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-03-03 |title=Разведчык з Кнігі вялікіх хімікаў |trans-title=A Pioneer from the Book of Great Chemists |url=https://nastgaz.by/razvedchyk-z-knigi-vyalikih-himikau/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210620094946/https://nastgaz.by/razvedchyk-z-knigi-vyalikih-himikau/ |archive-date=2021-06-20 |access-date=2025-06-30 |website=«Настаўніцкая газета» |language=ru-RU}}</ref>
During his secondary school and university years, Besarab developed an interest in meteoritics and meteorite hunting. He worked as an analytical chemist in a team involved in commercial meteorite search expeditions, where he was responsible for identifying recovered materials.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-29 |title=Месяц таму ў Мінскай вобласці ўпаў метэарыт. Сяргей Бесараб падазрае, што яго могуць вывезці ў Расію |trans-title=A Meteorite Fell in Belarus: Scientist Siarhei Besarab Warns It May Be Taken to Russia |url=https://nashaniva.com/360401 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250129091524/https://nashaniva.com/360401 |archive-date=2025-01-29 |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-02-01 |title="Царапают "здесь был Вася" на стене Лувра". Химик Сергей Бесараб — о том, как жодинский метеорит показал состояние беларусской науки |trans-title=‘Like Scratching ‘I Was Here’ on the Louvre’: Chemist Siarhei Besarab on What the Zhodzina Meteorite Reveals About Belarusian Science |url=https://news.zerkalo.io/life/90056.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250201095635/https://news.zerkalo.io/life/90056.html |archive-date=2025-02-01 |access-date=2025-07-07 |website=Зеркало |language=ru}}</ref>
== Career ==
=== Scientific research === Since 2010, Besarab has worked as a research scientist in the Laboratory of Adsorbents and Adsorption Processes at the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry at NASB, and focusing on inorganic porous materials, effective adsorbents, and new catalysts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of publications. Siarhei Besarab |url=https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=1jNpf9QAAAAJ |access-date=2024-04-24 |website=scholar.google.com}}</ref> Holder of 12 patents,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Национальный центр интеллектуальной собственности. База данных |trans-title=National Center of Intellectual Property Database |url=https://www.ncip.by/bazy-dannykh/ |access-date=2025-07-15 |website=www.ncip.by}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> his research ranked<ref>{{Cite book |title=Katalog top-100 rezulʹtatov fundamentalʹnykh i prikladnykh issledovaniĭ NAN Belarusi |date=2016 |publisher=Belnavuka |isbn=978-985-08-2009-9 |editor-last=Kilʹchevskiĭ |editor-first=A. V. |location=Minsk |language=ru |trans-title=Catalog of TOP-100 Results of Fundamental and Applied Research of NAS of Belarus for 2011-2015 |editor-last2=Natsyi︠a︡nalʹnai︠a︡ akadėmii︠a︡ navuk Belarusi}}</ref> among the top 100 in Belarusian fundamental and applied sciences from 2011 to 2015 and earned<ref name=":0" /> him two prizes in the Republican Scientific Research Competition (2009, 2011). In 2016, he won the Belarusian segment of the Skolkovo Startup Tour for a mercury fume purification device<ref>{{Cite journal |title=Сколково продвигает идеи молодых |trans-title=Skolkovo promotes the ideas of the young scientists |journal=Навука |language=ru |publication-date=2016 |volume=2587 |issue=16 |pages=2}}</ref> and contributed to developing polymer hydrogels<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2016-09-21 |title=Наука в ударе |trans-title=Science is on fire |url=https://www.sb.by/articles/nauka-v-udare.html |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=www.sb.by |publisher=СБ-Беларусь |language=ru}}</ref> and additive technologies in cardiac surgery as a scientific advisor at the Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Pediatric Surgery. Additionally, he organized Belarus's first scientific hackathon, SciHackathon, in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Научный хакатон в Минске: домашний наркотест, синтез генов и алгоритм для перебора картофеля |trans-title=Science hackathon in Minsk: home drug test, gene synthesis and algorithm for potato screening |url=https://devby.io/news/pervyy-v-strane-nauchnyy-hakaton-vyigral-spektrometr-dlya-provedeniya-testa-na-narkotiki |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=dev.by |language=ru-BY}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-20 |title=Амерыканскія навукоўцы прыдумалі, як візуальна сачыць за людзьмі па WiFi замест камер. Аказваецца, беларусы прэзентавалі падобны метад 6 год таму |trans-title=American scientists have figured out how to visually follow people via WiFi instead of cameras. It turns out that Belarusians presented a similar method 6 years ago |url=https://nashaniva.com/310711 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref>
=== Science communication === alt=Logo of LAB-66, a Telegram science blog focused on chemistry, civil safety, and radiological protection, managed by Siarhei Besarab|left|thumb|250x250px|Logo of LAB-66, a science blog managed by Siarhei Besarab Siarhei Besarab has made contributions to science communication as a journalist and educator.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Расонскі |first=Анатоль |date=2025-07-25 |title=Феномен Бесараба: калі навука становіцца мовай супраціву |trans-title=Trust as Infrastructure: The Story of Siarhei Besarab, a Belarusian Scientist |url=https://novychas.online/asoba/fenomen-besaraba-kali-navuka-stanovicca-movaj-sup |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250725062032/https://novychas.online/asoba/fenomen-besaraba-kali-navuka-stanovicca-movaj-sup |archive-date=2025-07-25 |access-date=2025-07-25 |website=Novy Chas |language=be |quote=Гэты пераломны момант надаў яго постаці новую якасць, ператварыўшы ў аднаго з самых прыкметных публічных навукова-тэхнічных інтэлектуалаў краіны |trans-quote=This pivotal moment redefined his public presence, turning him into one of the country’s most prominent scientific and technical public intellectuals}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Кот |first=Юлія |year=2024 |title=Бесараб: "Беларускім прадпрыемствам грошы вельмі патрэбныя, і ў цяперашніх варунках для іх «вайна — маці родная" |trans-title=Belarusian Firms Rely on War Profits to Survive, Expert Says |url=https://gazetaby.com/post/besarab-belaruskim-pradpryemstvam-groshy-velmi-patrebnyya-i-u-cyaperas/200599/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250702095754/https://gazetaby.com/post/besarab-belaruskim-pradpryemstvam-groshy-velmi-patrebnyya-i-u-cyaperas/200599/ |archive-date=2025-07-02 |website=gazetaby.com |language=be |quote=Мы абмеркавалі з навукоўцам і самым вядомым беларускім навукова-тэхнічным блогерам Сяргеем Бесарабам перспектывы і сутнасць беларуска-расійскага супрацоўніцтва ў авіябудаўніцтве |trans-quote=We spoke with Siarhei Besarab, a leading Belarusian science and technology blogger and researcher, about the prospects and realities of Belarus-Russia cooperation in the aviation industry. |agency=Салідарнасць (газета)}}</ref> Since 2019, he has managed LAB-66, the largest Belarusian science popularization channel on Telegram, with over 19,000 readers, focusing on chemistry, civil safety, and radiological protection.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Telegram-канал "Научно-Технический·LAB-66·Лабораторный журнал беларуского химика" — @lab66 — TGStat |trans-title=Statistics for Telegram-channel "Scientific and Tech - LAB-66 - Laboratory Journal of Belarusian Chemist |url=https://by.tgstat.com/channel/@lab66 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=TGStat.com |language=ru}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=TV |first=Belsat |title=Навуковец Сяргей Бесараб: тарнада ў Беларусі будуць усё часцейшымі, і з гэтым трэба навучыцца жыць |trans-title=Belarus faces more tornadoes: scientist Siarhei Besarab on why extreme weather is the new normal |url=https://belsat.eu/87829612/tarnada-belarus |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250714111608/https://belsat.eu/87829612/tarnada-belarus |archive-date=2025-07-14 |access-date=2025-07-14 |website=belsat.eu |language=be |quote=Задалі гэтыя пытанні навукоўцу, эксперту па грамадзянскай бяспецы і кліматычнай адаптацыі Сяргею Бесарабу, заснавальніку буйнейшага беларускага канала папулярызацыі навукі LAB-66. |trans-quote=These questions were addressed to Siarhei Besarab, a scientist, expert in civil safety and climate adaptation, and founder of LAB-66, the largest Belarusian science popularization channel.}}</ref> The blog's analytical articles have been widely reprinted in Belarusian and Ukrainian media, and its content has supported investigative journalism, such as that by the OSINT project Belarusian Hajun.
As a futurologist, Besarab has published articles and forecasts on artificial intelligence, focusing in particular on the ethical, social, and security risks of advanced AI systems.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Korsak |first=Dzmitry |date=2025-12-18 |title=A technooptimist on what will finally burst the AI bubble |url=https://2digital.news/a-technooptimist-on-what-will-finally-burst-the-ai-bubble/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251218115226/https://2digital.news/a-technooptimist-on-what-will-finally-burst-the-ai-bubble/ |archive-date=2025-12-18 |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=2digital.news |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Korsak |first=Dzmitry |date=2026-01-09 |title=When the AI bubble bursts, we could be facing the first Great Depression of the 21st century. One more grim future forecast. |url=https://2digital.news/when-the-ai-bubble-bursts-we-could-be-facing-the-first-great-depression-of-the-21st-century-one-more-grim-future-forecast/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260109142133/https://2digital.news/when-the-ai-bubble-bursts-we-could-be-facing-the-first-great-depression-of-the-21st-century-one-more-grim-future-forecast |archive-date=2026-01-09 |access-date=2026-01-10 |website=2digital.news |language=en-US |quote=What was said by Jonathan strongly resonates with the doubts expressed to us by futurologist and visiting researcher at the Global Catastrophic Risk Institute (GCRI) Siarhei Besarab in a recent interview.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJTSk8HM1dM |title=Искусственный интеллект в Беларуси: между глобальным прогрессом и цифровой диктатурой |date=2025-12-12 |type=Video |language=ru |publisher=HonestPeople (Честные Люди) |trans-title=Artificial Intelligence in Belarus: Between Global Progress and Digital Dictatorship |access-date=2025-12-12 |via=YouTube}}</ref> He is also a research collaborator at the Global Catastrophic Risk Institute (GCRI), where he contributes expert insights on global risks and future challenges.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Deutsche |first=Welle |title=Лукашенко хочет продавать Европе воздух. Это возможно? – DW – 20.11.2025 |trans-title=Lukashenko Wants to Sell Air to Europe – An Unbelievable Claim |url=https://www.dw.com/ru/lukasenko-hocet-prodavat-evrope-vozduh-eto-vozmozno/a-74808576 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20251120152219/https://www.dw.com/ru/lukasenko-hocet-prodavat-evrope-vozduh-eto-vozmozno/a-74808576 |archive-date=2025-11-20 |access-date=2025-11-20 |website=dw.com |quote=Заявления Лукашенко о дарении Европе воздуха химик и приглашенный исследователь Института глобальных катастрофических рисков (GCRI) Сергей Бесараб называет "полным абсурдом". |trans-quote=Chemist and visiting researcher at the Institute for Global Catastrophic Risks (GCRI), Siarhei Besarab, calls Lukashenko's statements about giving air to Europe "complete nonsense."}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2025-07-31 |title=Гомельшчына, амерыканскія прэрыі і рэпленты |trans-title=Gomel Region: American Prairies and Invasive Species Threats |url=https://homeldays.org/gomelshchyna-amerykanskija-prjeryi-i-rjepelenty/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250804060133/https://homeldays.org/gomelshchyna-amerykanskija-prjeryi-i-rjepelenty/amp/ |archive-date=2025-08-04 |access-date=2025-08-04 |website=Homeldays |language=be |quote=Гэтую справу нам пракаментаваў навуковец, запрошаны даследчык Інстытута глабальных катастрафічных рызыкаў (GCRI), Сяргей Бесараб |trans-quote=This issue was commented on by scientist and visiting researcher at the Global Catastrophic Risk Institute (GCRI), Siarhei Besarab}}</ref>
He has also produced forecasts on the development of emerging technologies, including synthetic biology and energy innovation, publishing his analyses in Belarusian independent media such as Belsat and TUT.by.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-01-29 |title=Фантастическое будущее, которое уже наступает. Белорусский ученый рассказал о главных ожиданиях от науки в 2024 году |trans-title=A Fantastic Future That Is Already Arriving: A Belarusian Scientist Shares Key Expectations for Science in 2024 |url=https://news.zerkalo.io/cellar/59836.html |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Зеркало |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-02-13 |title=Рассказываем, как новые технологии меняют войны (многие уже существующие разработки наверняка покажутся вам фантастикой) |trans-title=Explaining How New Technologies Are Changing Warfare - Many Existing Innovations May Seem Like Science Fiction |url=https://news.zerkalo.io/cellar/60989.html |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=Зеркало |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=S.A |first=Telewizja Polska |title=Чаго чакаць ад 2025 года? Спыталі экспертаў. Частка 2: пра эканоміку, міжнародную палітыку і штучны інтэлект |trans-title=What to Expect in 2025? We Asked the Experts. Part 2: On the Economy, International Politics, and Artificial Intelligence |url=https://belsat.eu/84355651/pragnozy-2025-2 |access-date=2025-06-28 |website=belsat.eu |language=be}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TV |first=Belsat |title=«Багатым – біялогія паводле падпіскі, бедным – чат-бот-нутрыцыёлаг». Прагнозы на 2026 год ад беларускага навукоўца |trans-title=Belarusian Scientist’s 2026 Forecast: AI Risks, Life‑Extension Inequality, and the New Militarization of Space and Science |url=https://belsat.eu/90661091/pragnozy-na-2026-god-ad-navukoca |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260105132813/https://belsat.eu/90661091/pragnozy-na-2026-god-ad-navukoca |archive-date=2026-01-05 |access-date=2026-01-10 |website=belsat.eu |language=be}}</ref> In March 2026, Besarab debuted as a television presenter, launching his own weekly science and futurology segment on the independent television channel Belsat TV.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2x4u1oMYZ34 |title=Сляды Мельнікавай вядуць у Беларусь? Бізнес нявесткі Лукашэнкі: грошы і рабства / Раніца з Белсатам |date=2026-03-07 |last=БЕЛСАТ LIFE |access-date=2026-04-02 |via=YouTube}}</ref> The segment, broadcast as part of the morning show ''Ranitsa z Belsatam'' (Morning with Belsat), focuses on the critical analysis of emerging technologies, bioethics, and techno-social forecasting.
Besarab is also active as a climate science communicator, regularly publishing analytical articles on the impact of climate change in Belarus and Eastern Europe.<ref name=":6" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Racja |first=Białoruskie Radio |date=2025-12-08 |title=Зіма будзе цяплейшая, але больш кантрасная |trans-title=Belarusian Climate Expert Predicts: This Winter Will Be the Warmest Yet—But More Extreme |url=https://racyja.com/by/hramadstva/sjarhej-besarab-seleta-budze-cjaplejsaja-zima-cym-letas/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251208165416/https://racyja.com/by/hramadstva/sjarhej-besarab-seleta-budze-cjaplejsaja-zima-cym-letas/ |archive-date=2025-12-08 |access-date=2025-12-08 |website=racyja.com |language=be |quote=Госць Рацыі — навуковец, кліматычны актывіст, запрошаны даследчык Інстытута глабальных катастрафічных рызыкаў Сяргей Бесараб. Гутарым з ім пра надыходзячую зіму — якой яна будзе, да чаго рыхтавацца. І наогул, якія кліматычныя змены чакаюць чалавецтва бліжэйшым часам |trans-quote=Racyja Radio Guest—scientist, climate activist, and visiting researcher at the Global Catastrophic Risks Institute—Siarhei Besarab. We spoke with him about the upcoming winter: what it will be like, how to prepare, and the climate changes humanity faces in the near future}}</ref> He is recognized for raising public awareness about climate-related risks, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and adaptation strategies in the region.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-20 |title=С чем связаны природные аномалии, которые одна за другой обрушиваются на Беларусь? Ученый объяснил и рассказал, чего ждать дальше |trans-title=What’s Behind the Recent Wave of Natural Disasters in Belarus? Expert Insights and Future Outlook |url=https://news.zerkalo.io/life/73695.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719152359/https://news.zerkalo.io/life/73695.html |archive-date=2024-07-19 |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=Зеркало |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title="Калі насоўваецца навальніца, не чакайце да апошняга". Як не пацярпець падчас урагану? Беларусам трэба адаптавацца да змянення клімату |trans-title=Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute: How to Stay Safe During Storms—and Why Belarusians Must Adapt to Climate Change |url=https://belsat.eu/news/17-07-2024-yak-ne-patsyarpets-padchas-uraganu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718211023/https://belsat.eu/news/17-07-2024-yak-ne-patsyarpets-padchas-uraganu |archive-date=2024-07-18 |access-date=2025-07-11 |work=belsat.eu |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2025, he received the Green Award Prize<ref>{{Cite web |title=Зялёная прэмія для беларускіх медыйшчыкаў {{!}} greenbelarus.info |trans-title=Belarus Green Award: Recognizing Excellence in Environmental Reporting and Eco-Friendly Media |url=https://greenbelarus.info/green_award |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250621212911/https://greenbelarus.info/green_award |archive-date=2025-06-21 |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=Зелёный портал |language=ru}}</ref> for producing some of the best environmental content in the country, including his analysis of climate anomalies in Belarus and articles focusing on local adaptation strategies.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Зялёная сетка" вызначыла лепшы кантэнт пра экалогію Беларусі |trans-title=Green Network Identifies the Best Environmental Content About Belarus: Celebrating Journalists and Bloggers Raising Awareness on Climate and Ecology |url=https://greenbelarus.info/articles/06-06-2025/zyalyonaya-setka-vyznachyla-lepshy-kantent-pra-ekalogiyu-belarusi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250629215001/https://greenbelarus.info/articles/06-06-2025/zyalyonaya-setka-vyznachyla-lepshy-kantent-pra-ekalogiyu-belarusi |archive-date=2025-06-29 |access-date=2025-07-11 |website=Зелёный портал |language=ru}}</ref>
Besarab also champions alternative food sources, such as insect protein, further advancing science literacy.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-27 |title=Ці каштавалі мяса саранчы? А яно ўжо прадаецца ў Польшчы. Знайшлі беларуса — фаната такой ежы |trans-title=Have you tasted locust meat? It's already on sale in Poland. We found a Belarusian who's a fan of this food. |url=https://nashaniva.com/324780 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref>
== Public activities and civil activism == [[File:Vialiki Voz Conference 2025 Pärnumaa Siarhei Besarab working at the conference (crop).jpg|alt=Photo of Siarhei Besarab speaking at the Vialiki Voz Conference in Pärnumaa, Estonia, illustrating his role as a public science communicator and civil activist|thumb|Siarhei Besarab speaking at the Vialiki Voz Conference (2025) in Pärnumaa, Estonia<ref>{{Cite news |last=Свабода |first=Радыё |date=2025-08-16 |title="Вялікі воз" беларускіх талентаў. Навошта навукоўцы зь Беларусі другі раз зьбіраліся ў Эстоніі |trans-title=Bringing Together Belarusian Talent: Why Belarusian Scientists Held Their Second Conference in Estonia |url=https://www.svaboda.org/a/33503777.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250816182054/https://www.svaboda.org/a/33503777.html |archive-date=2025-08-16 |access-date=2025-08-16 |work=Радыё Свабода |language=be}}</ref>]] In 2020, he issued a scientific rebuttal to accusations against civil activist Stsiapan Latypau, debunking claims of a plot to poison law enforcement with agricultural chemicals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Штейн |first=Евгения |date=2020-09-21 |title=Удобрение, "Белизна" и средство от кротов. Ученый-химик рас��ритиковал историю об "отравителе" с "площади Перемен" |trans-title=A chemical scientist criticized the story about the "poisoner" from Square of Changes |url=https://realt.onliner.by/2020/09/21/ob-otravitele-s-ploshhadi-peremen |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517205957/https://realt.onliner.by/2020/09/21/ob-otravitele-s-ploshhadi-peremen |archive-date=2022-05-17 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Onlíner |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Житель минской «Площади перемен» Степан Латыпов пытался покончить с собой в зале суда Заявив перед этим, что милиция угрожала возбудить дела против его родных и соседей |trans-title=Minsk 'Change Square' activist Stsiapan Latypau attempts suicide in courtroom |url=https://meduza.io/feature/2021/06/01/zhitel-minskoy-ploschadi-peremen-stepan-latypov-pytalsya-pokonchit-s-soboy-v-zale-suda |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221129020853/https://meduza.io/feature/2021/06/01/zhitel-minskoy-ploschadi-peremen-stepan-latypov-pytalsya-pokonchit-s-soboy-v-zale-suda |archive-date=2022-11-29 |access-date=2026-02-10 |website=Meduza |language=ru}}</ref> He also contributed to an appeal by Belarusian scientists condemning state violence following the contested presidential election, actions that led to his dismissal from the Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry and a professional ban.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |last2= |last3= |first3= |date=2021-07-28 |title=Как Лукашенко репрессировал беларусских ученых, выступивших за новые выборы |trans-title=How Lukashenko repressed Belarusian scientists who spoke in favor of new elections |url=https://nash-dom.info/70491 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Наш дом |language=ru}}</ref> His inclusion in the list of repressed Belarusian scientists prompted the scientific community to publish The Scientists’ Open Letter Against Repressions, signed by over 800 academics.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Свабода |first=Радыё |date=2021-01-14 |title=Больш за 800 беларускіх навукоўцаў падпісалі ліст у падтрымку калегаў, звольненых з Акадэміі навук |trans-title=Over 800 Belarusian Scientists Sign Letter in Support of Colleagues Dismissed from the Academy of Sciences |url=https://www.svaboda.org/a/31046185.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205150722/https://www.svaboda.org/a/31046185.html |archive-date=2021-02-05 |access-date=2026-02-10 |work=Радыё Свабода |language=be}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-14 |title=Больш за 800 беларускіх навукоўцаў падпісалі ліст у падтрымку звольненых з Акадэміі навук калег |url=https://nashaniva.com/266673 |access-date=2026-02-10 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref>
In response to ongoing repression, Besarab co-founded the Belarusian Scientific Solidarity Fund<ref>{{Cite web |title=Появился фонд солидарности для учёных, которые потеряли работу |trans-title=A solidarity fund for scientists who have lost their jobs has emerged |url=https://devby.io/news/fond-solidarnosti-dlya-uchyonyh |access-date=2024-04-27 |website=dev.by |language=ru-BY}}</ref> to support persecuted scholars. He further opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine by publishing an open letter on behalf of the Belarusian scientific community,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Национальная академия наук Беларуси в LinkedIn: Обращение белорусской научной общественности |trans-title=National Academy of Sciences of Belarus on LinkedIn: Appeal of the Belarusian Scientific Community |url=https://ru.linkedin.com/posts/the-national-academy-of-sciences-of-belarus_%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%80%D0%B0%D1%89%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%B1%D0%B5%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%83%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%B9-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%83%D1%87%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B9-%D0%BE%D0%B1%D1%89%D0%B5%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD%D0%BD%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B8-activity-6904857557320425472-AGg8 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=ru.linkedin.com |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Белорусские ученые требуют немедленной остановки всех военных действий РФ, направленных против Украины |trans-title=Belarusian Scientists Call for an Immediate End to All Russian Military Actions Against Ukraine |url=https://charter97.org/ru/news/2022/3/2/457221/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250625165451/https://charter97.org/ru/news/2022/3/2/457221/ |archive-date=2025-06-25 |access-date=2025-06-25 |website=charter97.org |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Беларусский ученый: "Дорога из Беларуси заняла три дня, и это были самые страшные три дня за последнее время" - Салiдарнасць |trans-title=Belarusian Scientist: “It Took Three Days to Flee, and They Were the Scariest Days I’ve Ever Lived” |url=https://gazetaby.plus/post/belarusskij-uchenyj-doroga-iz-belarusi-zanyala-tri/192665/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130101250/https://gazetaby.plus/post/belarusskij-uchenyj-doroga-iz-belarusi-zanyala-tri/192665/ |archive-date=2024-01-30 |access-date=2025-06-25 |work=Салідарнасць |language=ru-RU}}</ref> despite backlash from the NASB.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-06-10 |title=НАН опровергла фейк относительно позиции белорусских ученых |work=Белорусское телеграфное агентство |trans-title=NAS refuted a fake about the position of Belarusian scientists |url=https://www.belta.by/society/view/nan-oprovergla-fejk-otnositelno-pozitsii-belorusskih-uchenyh-488377-2022/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610112005/https://www.belta.by/society/view/nan-oprovergla-fejk-otnositelno-pozitsii-belorusskih-uchenyh-488377-2022/ |archive-date=2022-06-10 |access-date=2024-04-23}}</ref> As part of the Until All Are Free campaign,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Siarhei Besarab: "It is necessary to convey to the world community those terrible crimes" |url=https://ru.stranafund.org/blog/news/siarhei-besarab-patrebna-danosic-da-susvetnay-gramadskasci-infarmaciyu-pra-pacvarniya-zlachinstvy |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Фонд "СТРАНА ДЛЯ ЖИЗНИ" |language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407135108/https://en.stranafund.org/blog/news/siarhei-besarab-patrebna-danosic-da-susvetnay-gramadskasci-infarmaciyu-pra-pacvarniya-zlachinstvy|archive-date=7 April 2024|url-status=dead}}</ref> he became an advocate<ref>{{Cite web |title=Опекуны политзаключенных. Сергей Бесараб |trans-title=Guardians of Belarusian political prisoners. Siarhei Besarab |url=https://dissidentby.com/guardians/sergei-besarab |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=dissidentby.com |language=ru}}</ref> for political prisoner Artsiom Bayarski, a chemistry student targeted for his involvement in post-election protests.
As a public defender of academic freedom Besarab has consistently highlighted issues in Belarusian science, such as censorship, lack of academic freedom, and opaque funding practices.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TV |first=Belsat |title="Науку в Беларуси реформируют не нобелевские лауреаты, а люди в погонах": ученый о нападках Лукашенко на НАН |trans-title=Belarus’s Academic Reforms Led by Authorities, Not Academics |url=https://ru.belsat.eu/88203122/nauku-v-belarusi-reformiruyut-ne-nobelevskie-laureaty-a-lyudi-v-pogonah-uchenyj-o-napadkah-lukashenko-na-nan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250806124338/https://ru.belsat.eu/88203122/nauku-v-belarusi-reformiruyut-ne-nobelevskie-laureaty-a-lyudi-v-pogonah-uchenyj-o-napadkah-lukashenko-na-nan |archive-date=2025-08-06 |access-date=2025-08-07 |website=ru.belsat.eu |language=ru |quote=Мы спросили ученого, футуролога и научного правозащитника Сергея Бесараба, что происходит с беларусской наукой и можно ли говорить о ее развитии в нынешних условиях. |trans-quote=We asked Siarhei Besarab—a scientist, futurist, and prominent advocate for academic freedom—about the state of science in Belarus and whether meaningful progress is possible under the current circumstances.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Гусакоў генерыраваў крынж, Акадэмія навук хоць як прысутнічала ў інфапрасторы. Каранік жа абсалютна маркотны і выклікае толькі жаль" |trans-title=From Absurdity to Irrelevance: Who Leads Science in Belarus? |url=https://gazetaby.com/post/gusakou-generyravau-krynzh-akademiya-navuk-xocz-yak-prysutnichala-u-in/208717/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250806141146/https://gazetaby.com/post/gusakou-generyravau-krynzh-akademiya-navuk-xocz-yak-prysutnichala-u-in/208717/ |archive-date=2025-08-06 |website=gazetaby.com |language=be |quote=Навуковец, публічны абаронца акадэмічных свабод, былы супрацоўнік Нацыянальнай Акадэміі навук — пра магчымасці беларускай навукі і крытыку з боку Лукашэнкі. |trans-quote=A scientist, public advocate for academic freedom, and former member of the National Academy of Sciences discusses the prospects for Belarusian science and responds to criticism from Lukashenko.}}</ref> His data-driven initiatives include mapping the repression of Belarusian citizens<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-18 |title=36-летний минчанин Александр. Белорусский ученый составил портрет среднестатистического "экстремиста" — вот он какой |trans-title=A Belarusian scientist has compiled a portrait of an average "extremist" - here he is |url=https://news.zerkalo.io/life/26468.html |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Зеркало |language=ru}}</ref> and scientists, producing analyses like the "map of Belarusian extremism"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-15 |title=Where do most "extremists" live in Belarus? |trans-title=Where are the most "extremists" in Belarus? |url=https://novychas.online/hramadstva/dze-u-belarusi-zyve-najbolsz-ekstremistau |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Новы Час |language=be}}</ref> and profiles of repressed academics.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2023-05-05 |title=Вядомы хімік склаў партрэт рэпрэсаванага навукоўца. Некаторыя высновы нечаканыя |trans-title=A well-known chemist has compiled a portrait of a repressed scientist. Some of the conclusions are unexpected |url=https://nashaniva.com/315714 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref> Through his activism, Besarab remains a vocal proponent of transparency and reform in science policy and education.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-01 |title="Мае знаёмыя робяць у Акадэміі разлікі для расійскіх ракет". Што адбываецца з беларускай навукай |trans-title=What happens to Belarusian science during the war in Ukraine |url=https://nashaniva.com/327293 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-17 |title=Навуковец патлумачыў феномен рэжыму і ацаніў страты беларускай навукі за час кіравання Лукашэнкі |trans-title=The scientist explained the phenomenon of the regime and estimated the losses of Belarusian science during Lukashenko's rule |url=https://nashaniva.com/314277 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-28 |title=В Канаде рассказали о прорывной разработке, которую в Беларуси зарубили много лет назад. Как такое происходит, объяснил автор проекта |trans-title=Canada told about a breakthrough development, which was killed in Belarus many years ago. The author of the project explained how this happens |url=https://news.zerkalo.io/economics/62224.html |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Зеркало |language=ru}}</ref>
In October 2025, Besarab published an analysis disputing allegations that weather balloons drifting into Lithuania were used for smuggling. He argued that such methods were not economically viable and characterized the objects as educational tools.<ref name=":7">{{Cite news |last=Свабода |first=Радыё |date=2025-11-10 |title=Беларускіх кантрабандных цыгарэт стала менш удвая, але цяпер яны спыняюць працу аэрапортаў. Як зьмянілася кантрабанда ў Літву |trans-title=How Cigarette Smuggling from Belarus to Lithuania Has Changed: Drones, Balloons, and Airport Disruptions |url=https://www.svaboda.org/a/33586119.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251111114750/https://www.svaboda.org/a/33586119.html |archive-date=2025-11-11 |access-date=2025-11-11 |work=Радыё Свабода |language=be |quote=Для беларускага навукоўца-хіміка і аналітыка тэхналёгіяў Сяргея Бесараба такія мэтэаралягічныя балёны — складнік ягонага хобі: папулярызацыі прыродазнаўчых навук і інжынэрыі. |trans-quote=For Belarusian scientist and technology analyst Siarhei Besarab, meteorological balloons are part of his hobby: promoting natural sciences and engineering}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-10-29 |title=Што сабой уяўляюць тыя метэазонды, якія прылятаюць з Беларусі ў Літву? Расказвае Бесараб |trans-title=Smugglers' Weather Balloons: A Scientist Explains the Mystery Objects Flying from Belarus to Lithuania |url=https://nashaniva.com/380089 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251030101404/https://nashaniva.com/380089 |archive-date=2025-10-30 |access-date=2025-10-31 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be |quote=Метэазонды з кантрабанднымі цыгарэтамі з Беларусі прывялі да таго, што Літва на месяц закрыла мяжу. Але што за яны? Распыталі навукоўца Сяргея Бесараба, аказалася, гэта яго ранейшае хобі. |trans-quote=Weather balloons carrying contraband cigarettes from Belarus recently forced Lithuania, a NATO member, to shut down its border for a month. But what exactly are these mysterious aircraft? To find out, we spoke with scientist Siarhei Besarab, who, it turns out, used to launch them as a hobby}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=TV |first=Belsat |title=Метэазонды на Літву – гэта наўрад ці кантрабандысты. Навуковец падлічыў, наколькі гэта выгадна |trans-title=Are Smugglers Using Weather Balloons to Cross the Lithuanian Border? A Scientist Runs the Numbers |url=https://belsat.eu/89730636/meteazondy-na-litvu-heta-naurad-ci-kantrabandysty |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251029123345/https://belsat.eu/89730636/meteazondy-na-litvu-heta-naurad-ci-kantrabandysty |archive-date=2025-10-29 |access-date=2025-10-29 |website=belsat.eu |language=be}}</ref>
In early 2026, Besarab published a report analyzing the arrest of Belarusian amateur radio operators on treason charges. He argued that the equipment cited by authorities was technically incapable of the alleged espionage. This analysis attracted international attention to the crackdown, with coverage by technology outlets such as 404 Media and Boing Boing, which highlighted the suppression of technical hobbyist communities in Belarus.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Toohey |first=Ellsworth |date=2026-01-20 |title=Belarus threatens ham radio operators with death penalty for "espionage" |url=https://boingboing.net/2026/01/20/belarus-threatens-ham-radio-operators-with-death-penalty-for-espionage.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260121044353/https://boingboing.net/2026/01/20/belarus-threatens-ham-radio-operators-with-death-penalty-for-espionage.html |archive-date=2026-01-21 |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=Boing Boing |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Koebler |first=Jason |date=2026-01-21 |title=Amateur Radio Operators in Belarus Arrested, Face the Death Penalty |url=https://www.404media.co/ham-radio-operators-in-belarus-arrested-face-the-death-penalty/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260123085830/https://www.404media.co/ham-radio-operators-in-belarus-arrested-face-the-death-penalty/ |archive-date=2026-01-23 |access-date=2026-01-26 |website=404 Media |language=en}}</ref> The report was also circulated by international radio organizations, including the French Union of Radio Amateurs (UFRC).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-21 |title=La Biélorussie menace les radioamateurs de peine de mort pour « espionnage » – UFRC |url=https://ufrc.org/info/la-bielorussie-menace-les-radioamateurs-de-peine-de-mort-pour-espionnage/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260201234406/https://ufrc.org/info/la-bielorussie-menace-les-radioamateurs-de-peine-de-mort-pour-espionnage/ |archive-date=2026-02-01 |access-date=2026-02-10 |language=fr-FR}}</ref> According to Besarab, the crackdown threatens national emergency response capabilities, as radio hobbyists often provide critical communication support during natural disasters.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TV |first=Belsat |title=Што напраўду маглі праслухаць «шпіёны-радыёаматары»? Вось што можа злавіць любы ахвочы |trans-title=What could "radio spies" actually overhear? Expert breakdown on the technological reality of radio interception in Belarus |url=https://belsat.eu/91084724/radyjoamatary |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260116232249/https://belsat.eu/91084724/radyjoamatary |archive-date=2026-01-16 |access-date=2026-01-19 |website=belsat.eu |language=be}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Свабода |first=Радыё |date=2026-01-19 |title=«У сілавікоў кепская сувязь, а вінаватыя радыёаматары». Чаму людзей з аматарскімі радыёстанцыямі абвінавацілі ў здрадзе дзяржаве |trans-title="Police comms are junk, but amateurs take the blame": Why Belarus is charging radio enthusiasts with state treason |url=https://www.svaboda.org/a/33653641.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260119115207/https://www.svaboda.org/a/33653641.html |archive-date=2026-01-19 |access-date=2026-01-19 |work=Радыё Свабода |language=be}}</ref>
Besarab is an active advocate for the preservation of national digital heritage and cultural archives. In April 2026, he acted as a key catalyst for one of the most prominent ethical debates regarding hacktivism in Belarusian society. Following a disruptive cyberattack on the electronic catalog of the National Library of Belarus by the hacker collective Cyber Partisans, Besarab publicly condemned the incident. He emphasized that risking the destruction of historical digital catalogs and archives disproportionately harms future generations of scholars rather than affecting the ruling political regime, categorizing such acts as digitally irresponsible.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TV |first=Belsat |title=«Киберпартизаны» ответили на критику взлома сайта Национальной библиотеки |trans-title=Cyber Partisans answer to criticism regarding National Library hacking |url=https://ru.belsat.eu/92424707/kiberpartizany-biblioteka |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260403203243/https://ru.belsat.eu/92424707/kiberpartizany-biblioteka |archive-date=2026-04-03 |access-date=2026-04-04 |website=ru.belsat.eu |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Соўсь |first=Ганна |date=2026-04-05 |title=«Тысячы людзей згубілі доступ». Навуковец Бесараб — пра акцыю кібэрпартызанаў супраць Нацыянальнай бібліятэкі |trans-title=Thousands Lost Access': Scientist Besarab Blasts Cyber Partisans' National Library Hack |url=https://www.svaboda.org/a/33724158.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260405122556/https://www.svaboda.org/a/33724158.html |archive-date=2026-04-05 |access-date=2026-04-05 |work=Радыё Свабода |language=be}}</ref> Besarab's vocal opposition, supported by other figures within the Belarusian cultural intelligentsia, triggered a widespread debate in the opposition media concerning the problem of "collateral damage" applied to civil infrastructure<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-04 |title=Когда “безобидный взлом” лишает людей информации. Колонка Марыси Войтович {{!}} Новости Беларуси {{!}} euroradio.fm |trans-title=When a Harmless Hack Deprives People of Information: Column by Marysia Voytovich |url=https://euroradio.fm/ru/kogda-bezobidnyy-vzlom-lishaet-lyudey-informacii-kolonka-marysi-voytovich |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260404162901/https://euroradio.fm/ru/kogda-bezobidnyy-vzlom-lishaet-lyudey-informacii-kolonka-marysi-voytovich |archive-date=2026-04-04 |access-date=2026-04-04 |website=euroradio.fm |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-04 |title=«Беларуская навука — выпаленая пустка, дзе адзіночкі спрабуюць стварыць нармальны свет для такіх, як вы». Чаховіч палемізуе з Паўлючэнкам |trans-title="Belarusian science is a scorched wasteland...": Chakhovich polemicizes with Pauliuchenka |url=https://nashaniva.com/392054 |access-date=2026-04-04 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref>. The debate's impact was substantial enough to force radical media commentators who had initially dismissed the academic community's concerns to issue public apologies to the researchers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-04 |title=«Прабачце мне, даследчыкі, за ўсё». Фёдар Паўлючэнка адказаў Уладзіславу Чаховічу |trans-title=Fiodar Pauliuchenka: Forgive Me, Researchers, for Everything |url=https://nashaniva.com/392068 |access-date=2026-04-04 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref>[[File:TEDxUlicaMinska Speaker Siarhei Besarab (Сергей Бесараб) Warsaw 2026 03.jpg|thumb|Siarhei Besarab speaking at the TEDxUlicaMinska conference (2026) in Warsaw, Poland]]
In April 2026, Besarab was an invited speaker at TEDxUlicaMinska, an independently organized TEDx conference held in Warsaw by the Belarusian diaspora.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Белорусский TEDx в Варшаве: радиация, мова, поиск себя |trans-title=Belarusian TEDx in Warsaw: Talking Radiation, Identity, and Finding Yourself |url=https://www.dw.com/ru/belorusskij-tedx-v-varsave-radiacia-mova-poisk-seba/a-76852059 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=dw.com |language=ru}}</ref> In his talk on radiation safety, he addressed the psychological and societal impacts of radiophobia, arguing that an objective understanding of radiation physics and basic scientific literacy are the most effective tools to combat irrational fear of modern technological risks.<ref>{{Cite web |last=TV |first=Belsat |title=«Вы радыеактыўныя – і гэта цудоўная навіна». Пра што казалі на TEDx Ulica Mińska? |trans-title=“You Are Radioactive—And That’s Great News”: Highlights from TEDx Ulica Mińska |url=https://belsat.eu/92786159/wulica-minska-tedx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260419111127/https://belsat.eu/92786159/wulica-minska-tedx |archive-date=2026-04-19 |access-date=2026-04-20 |website=belsat.eu |language=be}}</ref> == Political persecution == Besarab gained prominence among Russian and Belarusian speaking readers for his critical analyses of radiation safety.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Свабода |first=Радыё |date=2025-10-02 |title="Шкодныя рэчывы на тысячы, а то і мільёны гадоў". Якія радыяактыўныя адкіды хочуць захоўваць у Беларусі і ў чым шкода гэтага |trans-title=Experts concerned over plans for radioactive waste site near Belarus nuclear plant |url=https://www.svaboda.org/a/33546939.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251002093457/https://www.svaboda.org/a/33546939.html |archive-date=2025-10-02 |access-date=2025-10-02 |work=Radio Liberty |language=be |quote=На гэта зьвяртае ўвагу Сяргей Бесараб, радыяцыйны хімік, навуковец, вядомы крытычным аналізам радыяцыйнай бясьпекі. |trans-quote=Siarhei Besarab, a radiation chemist known for his critical analysis of radiation safety, highlighted this issue}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Свабода |first=Радыё |date=2025-11-20 |title=За час працы АЭС у Астраўцы электрычнасьць для людзей падаражэла на 36%. Навошта ўладам Беларусі другая атамная станцыя |trans-title=Belarus Plans to Build Second Nuclear Power Plant Despite Energy Price Increases |url=https://www.svaboda.org/a/33597163.html |access-date=2025-11-20 |work=Radio Liberty |language=be |quote=Сяргей Бесараб, радыяцыйны хімік, навуковец, вядомы крытычным аналізам радыяцыйнай бясьпекі, заўважае, што пабудаваць трэці энэргаблёк цяперашняй АЭС хоць эканамічна нямэтазгодна, але ня вельмі складана. А вось будаўніцтва другой АЭС ён называе «вар’яцтвам» |trans-quote=Siarhei Besarab, a radiation chemist and scientist known for his critical analysis of radiation safety, notes that while building a third unit at the current nuclear power plant is economically questionable but not very difficult, he calls the construction of a second nuclear power plant "madness."}}</ref> His reputation as a technical expert became particularly notable after the launch of the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant, where he emerged as one of the leading public critics of the station's radiation safety systems.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-16 |title=Хімік Сяргей Бесараб патлумачыў, што не так з БелАЭС і якая перадавая тэхналогія выкарыстоўваецца Украінай у вайне |trans-title=Chemist Siarhei Besarab explained what's wrong with Astravets Nuclear Power Plant |url=https://nashaniva.com/326574 |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-19 |title=Сяргей Бесараб: БелАЭС – гэта кабальная сувязь Беларусі з Расеяй на 50 год наперад - Беларускае Радыё Рацыя |trans-title=The Astravets Nuclear Power Plant is like a tight-knit tie between Belarus and Russia for the next 50 years |url=https://www.racyja.com/ekanomika/syargej-besarab-belaes-geta-kabaln/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419163926/https://www.racyja.com/ekanomika/syargej-besarab-belaes-geta-kabaln/ |archive-date=2023-04-19 |access-date=2024-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Это худшая зависимость!" Беларусь подсела на российскую урановую иглу |trans-title='This is the worst dependency!' Belarus is hooked on the Russian uranium needle |url=https://belsat.eu/ru/programs/26-02-2024-eto-hudshaya-zavisimost-belarus-podsela-na-rossijskuyu-uranovuyu-iglu |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=belsat.eu |language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-22 |title=Будучыня БелАЭС: выкарыстанне для патрэб Расеі і запужванне для астатняга свету? - БЕЛАРУСКАЕ РАДЫЁ РАЦЫЯ |trans-title=Is the future of the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant all about serving Russia's needs and scaring the rest of the world? |url=https://www.racyja.com/ekanomika/buduchynya-belaes-vykarystanne-dlya-pat/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230522173743/https://www.racyja.com/ekanomika/buduchynya-belaes-vykarystanne-dlya-pat/ |archive-date=2023-05-22 |access-date=2024-04-29}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="БелАЭС ужо прывяла да апраменьвання людзей". Эксперты – пра радыяцыйнае забруджванне ў Беларусі |trans-title=The Astravets Nuclear Power Plant has already caused people to get radiation exposure. Experts are worried about radioactive pollution in Belarus. |url=https://belsat.eu/news/27-04-2024-belaes-uzho-pryvyala-da-apramenvannya-lyudzej-eksperty-pra-radyyatsyjnae-zabrudzhvanne-u-belarusi |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=belsat.eu |language=be}} {{Dead link|date=June 2025}}</ref>
In spring 2023, amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced plans to bring Russian tactical nuclear weapons into Belarus. Besarab responded by publishing detailed descriptions<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-26 |title=Дзе размесцяць расійскую ядзерную зброю, выбух якой можа знішчыць цэлы горад? |trans-title=Where will they stash the Russian nukes in Belarus that could wipe out a whole city? |url=https://nashaniva.com/317594 |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref> of potential storage sites for these weapons on his blog and engaging with independent media to discuss the associated risks.<ref name=":8" /> This activity placed him in direct conflict with Belarusian authorities, who subsequently labeled all content from his science blog as extremist material (see Classification of extremist materials in Belarus for details).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-17 |title=День "экстремистских" формирований и материалов: хроника преследования 17 мая |trans-title=Day of "extremist" formations and materials: chronicling political persecution on May 17 |url=https://spring96.org/ru/news/111713 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=spring96.org |language=ru}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Constanta |first=Human |date=2023-07-18 |title=Обзор борьбы с «экстремизмом» в Беларуси за апрель-июнь 2023 |trans-title=Overview of Combating "Extremism" in Belarus (April–June 2023) |url=https://humanconstanta.org/obzor-borby-s-ekstremizmom-v-belarusi-za-aprel-iyun-2023/ |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Human Constanta |language=ru |trans-quote=In his papers, chemist Siarhei Besarab mostly steered clear of politics, but he did discuss the Astravets Nuclear Power Plant and spoke to independent media, which got him in trouble.}}</ref>
Facing mounting pressure, Besarab became the target of criminal charges for allegedly causing harm to the state.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Свабода |first=Радыё |date=2025-08-28 |title=109 "здраднікаў дзяржавы". За што беларусаў абвінавачваюць у адным з самых сур'ёзных злачынстваў |trans-title=Belarus Sees 'Explosion' in Treason Cases as Regime Cracks Down on Critics |url=https://www.svaboda.org/a/33515286.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250828091906/https://www.svaboda.org/a/33515286.html |archive-date=2025-08-28 |access-date=2025-08-28 |work=Радыё Свабода |language=be |quote=Менавіта пасьля 2020 году ў Беларусі рэзка вырасла колькасьць «здраднікаў дзяржаве». Гэта проста людзі, якія крытычна выказваюццца пра ўладу, і за гэта іх і перасьледуюць. |trans-quote=It's no coincidence that after 2020, we saw a massive spike in the number of 'traitors of the state' in Belarus. They are simply people who criticize the government, and they are being persecuted for exactly that.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Набыў у Менску радыяактыўныя пацеркі. Хімік расказвае, як засцерагчыся ад выпраменьвання дома |trans-title=A chemist explains how to keep yourself safe from radiation at home |url=https://greenbelarus.info/articles/25-04-2024/nabyu-u-mensku-radyeaktyunyya-pacerki-khimik-raskazvae-yak-zasceragchysya-ad |access-date=2024-04-30 |website=Зелёный портал |language=ru |trans-quote=Siarhei Besarab, a radiation chemist, scientific blogger, and former Academy of Sciences employee, now lives in the European Union. He's facing charges from Lukashenko's authorities that could lead to 25 years in prison}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title="Калі б за справу ўзялася ваенная контрвыведка, мяне б, хутчэй за ўсё, знайшлі. Таму я хутка з'ехаў з Беларусі" |trans-title=Siarhei Besarab: if the military counterintelligence had taken up the case, I would have most likely been found out. That's why I left Belarus in a hurry |url=https://greenbelarus.info/articles/23-02-2024/kali-b-za-spravu-uzyalasya-vaennaya-kontrvyvedka-myane-b-khutchey-za-usyo |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Зелёный портал |language=ru}}</ref> The Belarusian KGB threatened him with imprisonment, prompting his decision to flee the country and seek political asylum within the European Union to ensure his safety.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-28 |title=Беларускі навуковец, якому давялося ўцячы з Беларусі тайнымі сцежкамі, напісаў "кароткі дапаможнік па экстраннай эвакуацыі" |trans-title=A Belarusian scientist who had to flee Belarus by secret paths has written a "brief manual on emergency evacuation" |url=https://nashaniva.com/320301 |access-date=2024-04-23 |website=Наша Ніва |language=be}}</ref>
== Footnotes == {{notelist}}
== References == {{reflist|colwidth=20em}}
== External links ==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffLIJD4RGxs In-depth interview with Siarhei Besarab about his scientific work, political views, and dismissal from the Academy of Sciences] – interview with Mikita Melkazioraŭ on the "жыццё-малiна" YouTube channel, 16 September 2023 (in Belarusian) * [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWHWzmSAe0E In-depth interview on the state of Belarusian science, criticism of the Astravets NPP, and the achievements of Belarusian scientists] – interview with {{Interlanguage link|Aleksandr Ivulin|be|https://be.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%90%D0%BB%D1%8F%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%80_%D0%9C%D1%96%D0%BA%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%96%D1%87_%D0%86%D0%B2%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%96%D0%BD}} on the "ЧестнОК-LIVE" YouTube channel, 18 October 2025 (in Belarusian) * {{Cite web |title=Лоботомія нації: чому інтелект став головним ворогом білоруського режиму |trans-title=Lobotomy of a nation. Why intellect became the enemy of the state in Belarus |url=https://argumentua.com/stati/lobtomiya-natsii-chomu-intelekt-stav-golovnim-vorogom-biloruskogo-rezhimu |archive-url=https://archive.today/20260128131210/https://argumentua.com/stati/lobtomiya-natsii-chomu-intelekt-stav-golovnim-vorogom-biloruskogo-rezhimu |archive-date=2026-01-28 |website=argumentua.com |language=uk}} {{Portal bar|Belarus|Science|Human Rights|Freedom of speech|Nuclear technology}} {{Subject bar|auto=1}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Besarab, Siarhei}} Category:Belarusian chemists Category:1984 births Category:Living people Category:Belarusian science communicators Category:21st-century inventors Category:Belarusian inventors Category:Radiation health effects researchers Category:Science bloggers Category:21st-century science writers Category:Belarusian human rights activists Category:Science journalists Category:21st-century Belarusian journalists Category:21st-century male journalists Category:Belarusian State University alumni Category:People from Grodno region Category:People from Novogrudok Category:Futurologists Category:Belarusian expatriates Category:Science activists Category:Chemistry in society Category:Belarusian health professionals Category:21st-century pharmacists Category:Climate activists Category:Food activists Category:Belarusian exiles Category:Belarusian dissidents