Giorgi Nikoladze, a famous scientist and public figure, mathematician, metallurgist, terminologist, inventor, and athlete (gymnast and climber), was born in Didi Jikhaishi in 1888 to Niko Nikoladze and Olga Guramishvili.
Despite not attending a mathematical school, Giorgi Nikoladze was distinguished by a special talent for technical subjects.
He developed a theory on algebraic systems with algebraic masses in 1927. This hypothesis later served as the foundation for his doctoral dissertation, which he successfully defended at the Sorbonne University in Paris. During his time in Paris, he invented an electronic arithmometer that was fundamentally different from the existing one.
Giorgi Nikoladze taught "Analytical Geometry" and "Differential Geometry" at Tbilisi State University. He also developed the first Georgian language textbooks in the mentioned subject.
A ferroalloy test furnace was created in Tbilisi under the guidance and direct participation of Giorgi Nikoladze. The findings of the experiments performed on the stated furnace later served as the foundation for the operation of the Zestafoni ferroalloys facility.
He has made a significant contribution to Georgia's sports industry as well. The "Shevardeni" gymnastics society was established in 1918 by Nikoladze. He coined the name "gymnastics" and produced the first gymnastics manual in Georgia.
Under his supervision, the first Georgian expedition climbed Mount Kazbek in 1923, laying the groundwork for the development of alpinism in Georgia. His name is also associated with the growth of mountain-ski activities in our country.
Giorgi Nikoladze was an accomplished terminologist as well. He created and popularised the following words in Georgian: pressure, electricity, bulb, bolt, gymnastics, mountaineering, referee, circuit engine, test tube, cross connector...
Unfortunately, this multi-skilled and gifted individual, who could have done much more good for the country, died of pneumonia at the age of 42. He is buried in the Didube pantheon of public figures.
The Giorgi Nikoladze Medal was established for Georgian Technical University personnel for their lengthy and productive teaching-educational, scientific, and public service, and is awarded on the Academic Council's decision.