Basic sciences are the bedrock of scientific understanding, enabling us to devise innovative solutions to address future challenges proactively. They can be a powerful catalyst for change, particularly in the developing world. In order to fully harness this potential, access to science and international cooperation are critical.

UNESCO is uniquely positioned to facilitate access to science and international cooperation. It strives to empower nations by:
Enhancing

Member States' institutional and human capacities in basic sciences, technology, research, innovation, and engineering

Fostering

excellence in science education at all levels

Supporting

the establishment of high-quality universities and research centres to harness the transformative potential of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)

Promoting

scientific cooperation

UNESCO Prizes on Basic Sciences

UNESCO-Carlos J. Finlay Prize for Microbiology
UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences
UNESCO-Russia Mendeleev International Prize in the Basic Sciences
UNESCO-Al Fozan International Prize for the Promotion of Young Scientists