Dmitri Mendeleev International Prize

The UNESCO Executive Board established the UNESCO-Russia Prize named after Dmitri Mendeleev for achievements in the field of basic sciences.

On October 21, 2019, the 207th session of the UNESCO Executive Board adopted by acclamation the decision to establish the UNESCO-Russia International Prize named after Dmitri Mendeleev for achievements in the field of basic sciences.
The initiative to establish this award belongs to the Russian Federation. The Mendeleev Prize is one of the most significant results of the International Year of the Periodic System of Chemical Elements announced in 2019 at the UN and widely celebrated throughout the world.

The prize will be awarded annually for six years to one or two scientists for their outstanding contributions in the fields of chemistry, physics, mathematics or biology. The prize fund is 500 thousand US dollars per year, which will be distributed equally among the nominees. The ceremony will take place alternately at UNESCO headquarters and in the Russian Federation.

This award is UNESCO’s first prestigious award in the basic sciences. Alexander Kuznetsov, the Permanent Representative of Russia to UNESCO, described it in his speech as “a wonderful tool for popularizing science and engaging young people in scientific activity”.
The award, named after the great Russian scientist, teacher, the advocate of science Dmitry Mendeleev, is aimed to promote scientific progress, enhance international cooperation in the field of basic sciences, recognize the contribution of scientists to sustainable development, and promote the role of women in science.