Dmitry Zimin, the founder of the Dynasty Foundation, has become the first Russian philanthropist to be awarded the Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy.
The recipients of the prestigious biannual award received their medals last Thursday at a ceremony at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, a report said.
The Andrew Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy, often referred to as the "Nobel Prize of philanthropy" recognizes those who use their wealth and business acumen for public good.
Winners of the award are selected by an international committee made up of representatives of six major Carnegie institutions.
Zimin, the founder and now honorary president of telecom operator VimpelCom, founded The Dynasty Foundation in 2002. The non-profit charity fund supports talented scientists, scholars and educators by promoting fundamental scientific research in Russia and contributes to general popularization of natural and social sciences.