OREANDA-NEWS. November 27, 2008. The message said, in part:

“You command the highest respect of the world’s scientific community as a world famous scientist, talented organiser and eminent public figure. Your genius, brilliant work and innovative ideas have led you to develop many unique technologies of great practical importance. They allowed us to enhance the efficiency of many industries and boosted innovative development of many countries’ economies.

“You have been the President of the International Association of Academies of Sciences for many years. Your work, aimed at strengthening traditions of international scientific and educational cooperation, preserving and development of scientific and social contacts between Russia and Ukraine, deserves our deepest respect.”

Mr Medvedev signed a decree awarding Boris Paton the Order for Services to the Fatherland, 1st Degree.