Gut Gemacht! Germany salutes leading Siberian archeologist as 'example for all Russia'

Molodin worked closely with the German Archaeological Institute and largely maintained their significant research into  prehistoric settlements in the West Siberian steppes.

He is also  the scientist who led expeditions to the Ukok Plateau in the Altai Mountains which discovered the well-preserved permafrost remains of 2500 year old Pazyryk people, giving remarkable new insights into early Siberians. 

Among these was the world famous 'Ukok princess' whose remarkable tattooed remains and clothes have attracted widespread attention.

The princess was recently returned from Novosibirsk to a special mausoleum in Gorno-Altaisk where her remains will go on public display. 

'Thanks to the personal and professional qualities of Professor Vyacheslav Molodin, he became an example for all of Russia, and as scientists is world famous in his sphere', said the German citation. 

He is credited with exceptional academic achievements and active participation in German-Russian cooperation.

In a ceremony today in Akademgorodok, Novosibirsk the 64 year old academic was being awarded the cross of the first level of the 'Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany'.

The award - made by German president Joachim Gauck - was being bestowed by the Consul General of Germany in Novosibirsk Naythart Hofer-Vissing at a gala event.

Molodin is the author or co-author of more than 1,100 scientific papers. 

In 2004 he was awarded the State Prize by President Vladimir Putin for archeological discoveries in the Altai Mountains.