Skoltech Distinguished Professor Artem Oganov. Credit: Timur Sabirov, Skoltech

The award recognizes individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to scientific and technological advancements. It promotes creativity among researchers and other professionals, accelerates the development of science and technology, and boosts the country’s innovative potential.

Artem R. Oganov is a world-renowned scholar of chemistry and materials science. He was included in the Elsevier ranking of the world’s top scientists and was named one of the most highly cited researchers by Clarivate Analytics. In 2025, Research.com recognized Professor Oganov as the top chemist and second-best materials scientist in Russia.

Professor Oganov’s research focuses on the computer-aided design of new materials and the prediction of their crystal structures, particularly under extreme pressures and temperatures. From 2004 to 2006, he developed the USPEX (Universal Structure Predictor: Evolutionary Xtallography) evolutionary algorithm, which predicts crystal structures without using experimental data. In 2025, USPEX became available on standard laptops, marking an important step in the democratization of science.

Research efforts led by Professor Oganov have resulted in the discovery of dozens of promising new materials, including unique helium compounds, transparent sodium, superhard boron, and new sodium and potassium chlorides. He previously received the Chinese Government Friendship Award for his contributions to global scientific cooperation.