Earlier this month, UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova presented the UNESCO Medal" For Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies" to eight laureates during a ceremony organized at UNESCO headquarters.

According to UNESCO, The UNESCO Medal “For contribution to the development of nanoscience and nanotechnologies” was established in 2010 at the initiative of the Thematic group on “Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies” of the International Commission on the Development of the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) – one of the world’s 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. “This 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”, said Director-General Bokova in her address at the award ceremony. “The 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…and women scientist”, continued the Director-General, noting that the Medal is awarded for the first time to 3 outstanding female scientists in this year edition.

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 –Info-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

As an Iranian young female dentist, I am so proud of her as a leading lady in her career and the one who indicated that women can reach the peak of science if they believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

I highly acknowledge Dr. Davaran's consistent efforts and her exceptional and eminent contributions to the development of nanotechnologies in our country.

On behalf of all Iranian healthcare professionals specially IRIMC President, I extend my warmest congratulations to her for this well deserved honor.

Dr. Shima Naghavi, Director of International Affairs