The Medal was established at the initiative of the international commission responsible for developing the nanoscience and nanotechnologies theme for the Encyclopedia of Life Support Systems (EOLSS) published by UNESCO and EOLSS Publishers. This initiative was supported by the Russian Federation’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO.

A second group of laureates will receive the UNESCO Medal “For contributions to the development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnologies” at UNESCO Headquarters.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, will be present to award the medals to the following laureates: