Yesterday, April 13, 2025, the state award of Belarus – the title “Hero of Belarus” – celebrated its 30th anniversary. It was established by the law of April 13, 1995 No. 3726-XII “On state awards of the Republic of Belarus”.
The award is given to a person by the President of Belarus only once, and a special distinction is presented – the Hero of Belarus medal. The badge is supposed to be worn on the left side of the chest above the orders and medals. It should be noted that not only citizens of our state, but also foreigners and stateless persons can become Heroes of Belarus.
To date, 14 people have been awarded the highest degree of distinction. Among them is the Honorary Doctor of the Belarusian National Technical University Mikhail Vysotsky. Being an outstanding designer and scientist in the field of mechanics and design of mobile machines, Mikhail Stepanovich created a domestic school of truck design.
The name of Mikhail Vysotsky is known throughout the world. In 1997, he became the person of the year, and his name was also included in the 25th edition of the "Dictionary of International Biographies" and the list of 5,000 scientists who contributed to the development of science in the 20th century.
Mikhail Stepanovich devoted a huge part of his life to the Minsk Automobile Plant, going from a worker to chief designer. The modern activities of MAP are largely due to the outstanding developments of the scientist in the field of automotive engineering.
In addition, thanks to the hard work of Mikhail Vysotsky, the Department of Heavy-Duty Vehicles was created on the basis of BPI in 1975. In 2011, it was renamed to Heavy-Duty Vehicles and Road Trains and until 2013 it worked on the basis of the Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. For a long time, Mikhail Stepanovich was the head of the department. By that time, the outstanding Belarusian was also known as the General Director of the Joint Institute of Mechanical Engineering of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, Academician, Doctor of Technical Sciences and Professor.
In 2006, for his fruitful work, Mikhail Stepanovich was awarded the title of "Hero of Belarus" by decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus. However, the list of his awards does not end there. The academician is also:
Moreover, Mikhail Vysotsky was awarded the Gratitude of the President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko for many years of fruitful, highly effective scientific and technical work, as well as the Gratitude of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin for exemplary performance of military duty and selfless service to the Fatherland.
The achievements and contribution of Mikhail Stepanovich to the development of science and technology in Belarus cannot be overestimated. He is an example of not only an outstanding scientist, but also a true patriot. His hard work, dedication, and passion for innovation made him a role model for many young professionals. And even after his death, Mikhail Vysotsky continues to inspire Belarusian scientists and engineers. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of pursuing knowledge and contributing to the common good.
