Russian billionaire buys the Nobel medal back to the scientist

Russian tycoon and telecom tycoon Alisher Usmanov has revealed he is the buyer of American scientist James Watson's Nobel medal and will return it to this scientist.

BBC on 9/12 quoted billionaire Usmanov - Russia's richest man, said Mr. Watson deserved to be awarded a Nobel medal, and that he was sad when the scientist was forced to sell it.

"In my opinion, the fact that an outstanding scientist has to sell a medal recognizing his achievements is unacceptable , " Usmanov said.

The billionaire Alisher Usmanov (right) said he was upset when US scientist James Watson (left) sold the Nobel medal, and he would give the medal back to the scientist after buying it at the auction floor last week. for $ 4.76 million - (Photo: Getty Images)

"James Watson is one of the greatest biologists in human history and the award for discovering the DNA structure must belong to him," he stressed, adding that he would return the Medal purchased for Mr. Watson.

This medal was awarded to James Watson in 1962 for discovering the double helix structure of DNA - the foundation of life. Sharing the award, there are two other scientists, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins.

Last week, it was auctioned at a record price of $ 4.76 million at the New York City auction - much higher than the initial estimate of 2.5-3.5 million. USD.

It was also the first Nobel medal of a living person to be sold on the auction floor.

Mr. Watson, 86 years old, said he would use the money to sell medals for scientific research and donations to charities.

According to Forbes magazine, Mr. Usmanov owns assets worth USD 15.8 billion. He is a major shareholder of Arsenal (UK) football club and is ranked by the Sunday Times as Britain's richest person in 2013.