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Eight UNESCO Medals awarded to nanotechnology and nanoscience specialists
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova presented the UNESCO Medal 鈥淔or the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies鈥 to eight laureates during a ceremony organized at UNESCO Headquarters on 10 April 2015
The scientific laureates of this 4th edition are:
- Mr. Valentin Bukhtoyarov (Russian Federation) : Academician of the Russian Academy of Mining Science
- Ms. Constance Chang-Hasnain (United States) : John R. Whinnery Chair Professor at the University of California, Berkeley
- Ms. Soodabeh Davaran (Iran) : Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Tabriz University
- Mr. Vladimir Fortov (Russian Federation) : President of the Russian Academy of Sciences
- Mr. Mikhail Kovalchuk (Russian Federation) : Founder of the Kurchatov Nano-Bio 鈥揑nfo-Kogno Centre and Head of the Editorial Board of the journal Russian Nanotechnologies
- Ms. Tebello Nyokong (South Africa) : Professor of Medicinal Chemistry and Nanotechnology and Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Rhodes University
- Mr. Mikhail Selyanin (Russian Federation) : President of the International Research and Development Centre for Innovation Technologies
- Mr. Shem Wandiga (Kenya) : Professor of Chemistry at the department of Chemistry, University of Nairobi
The UNESCO Medal 鈥淔or contribution to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnologies鈥 was established in 2010 at the initiative of the Thematic group on 鈥淣anoscience and Nanotechnologies鈥 of the International Commission on the Development of the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) 鈥 one of the world鈥檚 largest knowledge bases on sustainable development, evolving under the aegis of UNESCO.
The Medal recognizes the tremendous benefits that stem from progress in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnologies for our societies and economies. 鈥淭his new branch of science works at the frontiers of knowledge, and UNESCO is committed to nurturing its full potential to support all societies, and especially developing countries鈥, said Director-General Bokova in her address at the award ceremony. 鈥淭he benefits must reach all. In terms of improving education, strengthening healthcare, or facilitating transportation -- we must ensure nobody is left out and all voices are heard, starting with women鈥nd women scientist鈥, continued the Director-General, noting that the Medal is awarded for the first time to 3 outstanding female scientists in this year edition.
