# Inna Sergeevna Sjtsjerbina-Samoylova

> Soviet and Russian astronomer

**Wikidata**: [Q15918990](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15918990)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inna_Sergeyevna_Shcherbina-Samoylova)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/inna-sergeevna-sjtsjerbina-samoylova

## Summary
Inna Sergeevna Sjtsjerbina-Samoylova was a Soviet and Russian astronomer, astrophysicist, and computer scientist. Born in Moscow, she worked at VINITI and specialized in informatics, space research, and the Universal Decimal Classification. She held a Candidate of Sciences degree in Physics and Mathematics.

## Biography
- **Born:** January 17, 1922, Moscow
- **Died:** April 26, 2003, Moscow
- **Nationality:** Soviet Union, Russia
- **Education:** MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics
- **Known for:** Contributions to astronomy, astrophysics, and the application of informatics to space research
- **Employer(s):** VINITI
- **Field(s):** Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Research, Informatics, Universal Decimal Classification
- **Place of Burial:** Donskoe Cemetery, Moscow

## Contributions
Inna Sergeevna Sjtsjerbina-Samoylova made significant contributions to the intersection of astronomy and information science. Her professional roles included astronomer, astrophysicist, computer scientist, translator, and member of the editing staff.

Her work at VINITI (All-Russian Institute for Scientific and Technical Information) positioned her at the forefront of scientific knowledge organization. She specialized in the **Universal Decimal Classification** (UDC), a system crucial for indexing and retrieving literature in science and technology. By applying informatics principles to **space research** and **astronomy**, she facilitated the systematic storage and retrieval of complex scientific data. Her dual background in mechanics, mathematics, and computer science allowed her to bridge the gap between observational astronomy and the computational systems needed to manage vast amounts of astrophysical data. Her efforts as a translator and editor further helped disseminate scientific knowledge within the Soviet and Russian scientific communities.

## FAQs
### Q: What were Inna Sergeevna Sjtsjerbina-Samoylova’s primary fields of work?
A: Her primary fields included astronomy, astrophysics, space research, informatics, and the Universal Decimal Classification system.

### Q: Where was she educated?
A: She attended the MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics at Moscow State University.

### Q: What awards did she receive during her lifetime?
A: She was awarded the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd class, and the Order of the Badge of Honour.

## Why They Matter
Inna Sergeevna Sjtsjerbina-Samoylova played a vital role in the organization and accessibility of scientific knowledge in the Soviet Union and later Russia. By specializing in **informatics** and the **Universal Decimal Classification** within the context of astronomy and space research, she contributed to the infrastructure that allows scientists to access and categorize critical data. Her work at VINITI, a premier information institute, highlights the importance of "hidden" scientific roles—editors, translators, and classifiers—who ensure that primary research is preserved, indexed, and made retrievable for future scholars. Her recognition with state honors, including the Order of the Patriotic War, also underscores a lifetime of service to her country, spanning both wartime efforts and peacetime scientific advancement.

## Notable For
- **Interdisciplinary Expertise:** Combining astronomy, astrophysics, and computer science (informatics).
- **Information Science:** Specializing in the Universal Decimal Classification.
- **Academic Achievement:** Holding a Candidate of Sciences degree in Physics and Mathematics.
- **Institutional Role:** Serving as a key staff member at VINITI.
- **State Recognition:** Recipient of the Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd class, and the Order of the Badge of Honour.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Inna Sergeevna Sjtsjerbina-Samoylova was born on January 17, 1922, in Moscow. She pursued higher education at the **MSU Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics**, a prestigious institution known for producing top-tier Soviet scientists and mathematicians.

### Career and Research
Sjtsjerbina-Samoylova built a diverse career defined by her multifaceted roles in the scientific community. She was not only an **astronomer** and **astrophysicist** but also a **computer scientist** (informatician), **translator**, and **editing staff** member. Her primary professional affiliation was with **VINITI** (The All-Russian Institute for Scientific and Technical Information), the central abstracting and indexing service in the USSR and Russia.

Her work focused on several key areas:
*   **Astronomy and Astrophysics:** Conducting research and managing data related to celestial objects and space physics.
*   **Space Research:** Supporting the data organization needs of the burgeoning space industry.
*   **Informatics and UDC:** Applying computational and systematic approaches to knowledge management, specifically through the **Universal Decimal Classification**, an essential tool for library science and bibliography in technical fields.

### Awards and Honors
Throughout her life, Sjtsjerbina-Samoylova received significant state recognition for her contributions. She was a recipient of the **Order of the Patriotic War, 2nd class**, likely reflecting contributions during the World War II era (The Great Patriotic War in Russia). She also received the **Order of the Badge of Honour**, awarded for high achievements in production, scientific research, or cultural activity.

### Death
Inna Sergeevna Sjtsjerbina-Samoylova passed away on April 26, 2003, in Moscow. She was laid to rest at the **Donskoe Cemetery** in Moscow.

## References

1. Czech National Authority Database
2. Virtual International Authority File