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On 26 June2017, seven eminent scientists and scientific institutions received the UNESCO Medals for contributions to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnologies during a ceremony held at UNESCO headquarters, Paris. The medal is awarded each year by the Director-General of UNESCO to prominent scientists, public figures and organizations that contributed to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnologies in the spirit of UNESCO’s priorities.
“From stronger and lighter materials development to drug design, from water depollution to information and communication technologies – nanoscience and nanotechnologies impact on our lives every single day and, yet, this cutting-edge field remains largely beyond the public eye” explained UNESCO’s Director General, Irina Bokova.
This is why the Medal was established in 2010 at the initiative of the International Commission responsible for developing the Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies theme for the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS). Since then, 37 Medals have been awarded to prominent scientists, institutions and public figures, such Isamu Akasaki, winner of the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics, Zhores Alferov, winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2000, and Chunli Bai, President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
“These medals are a call to action,” said Irina Bokova to the laureates, “to continue moving forward on your scientific journeys, to continue inspiring young women and men with the pioneering spirit of scientific innovation and scientific cooperation.”
The 2017 UNESCO Medals for contributions to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnologies were awarded to:
Dr Ashutosh Sharma – India
Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India; founding Coordinator of the Nanoscience Unit within the Indian Department of Science and Technology; elected fellow of The World Academy of Sciences for the advancement of science in developing countries (TWAS).
In virtue of his outstanding scientific achievements and merits in respect of development of nanotechnologies.
His research contributions are highly interdisciplinary, spanning a wide range in nanotechnology; carbon based nanocomposites and micro/nanoelectromechanical systems in energy, health and environment; functional interfaces; micro/nano-mechanics of soft matter; nanopatterning and nanofabrication.
Professor Theo Rasing – The Netherlands
Founder and Director of the Nijmegen Centre for Advanced Spectroscopy.
In virtue of his outstanding scientific achievements and merits in respect of development of nanotechnologies.
He is a pioneer in the development of new linear and nonlinear optical techniques for studying and manipulating molecules and materials with an emphasis on nanometer length and femtosecond time scales
Keysight Technologies - United States of America
In virtue of outstanding achievements and merits in respect of development of nanotechnologies and manufacturing application.
This company develops and manufactures instrumentation for nanotechnological investigations. More than three thousand peer-reviewed papers have been published using Keysight atomic force microscopy technology. The Medal was received by Mr Benoit Neel, Vice-President of Keysight Technologies.
Toyoda Gosei - Japan
In virtue of outstanding achievements and merits in respect of development of nanotechnologies and manufacturing application.
This company develops and manufactures LED and high-efficiency light-emitting devices. Core technologies developed by Toyoda Gosei opened the way for innovations in various fields including semiconductors and biotechnology (drug development support, agrobusiness). The Medal was received by Mr Toshihiro Yokoi, Managing Director, and Mr Koichi Ota, Executive Corporate Advisor of of Toyoda Gosei.
Dr Hun Many – Cambodia
President of the Cambodian Union of Youth Federation, Gusi Peace Prize laureate 2015, winner of the Asean People’s Award 2015.
In virtue of his promotion of the ideas of UNESCO in the sphere of nanotechnologies among the youth.
He has played a unique role in the promotion and outreach of nanotechnologies among young women and men in Cambodia
Dr Vladimir Bolshakov – Russian Federation
Saint-Petersburg Social Psychological Centre.
In virtue of his promotion of the ideas of UNESCO in the sphere of nanotechnologies among the youth.
He works actively to involve youth to policy-making and education research programmes and to create youth education research platforms. The Medal was received by Mrs Tatiana Dovgalenko, Deputy permanent Delegate of the Russian Federation to UNESCO.
Moscow Technological University (MIREA) - Russian Federation
In virtue of outstanding achievements and merits in respect of development of nanotechnologies and training of students in the field of nanotechnologies.
The work of the Moscow Technological University is recognized as cutting-edge across the world, as a modern educational and research centre contributing to the development of nanotechnologies and nanoscience training for students. The Medal was received by Professor Dr Natalia Golovanova, Vice-Rector of MIREA.
About the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS)
EOLSS is the world’s largest web-based source of professional knowledge on trans-disciplinary science base for sustainable development, as a result of the joint efforts of over 8000 specialized authors in over 100 countries. The encyclopedia is a virtual dynamic library that is aimed at a wide audience, from pre-university students to educators and professional practitioners, as well and policy analysts and decision-makers. By providing a complete and accessible body of knowledge, EOLSS aims to lead to the fulfillment of human needs by simultaneously considering socio-economic and technological progress that may lead to conservation of Earth’s natural systems.
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