Armenian microbiologist Sarkis Mazmanian became recipient of the prestigious MacArthur grant, which is given every year in the United States for achievements in a variety of domains. 

California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Professor Sarkis Mazmanian is one of 23 recipients of the “genius grants,” and he will be paid $500,000 over five years, which can be used for any purpose, mercurynews.com reports.

The scientist said he learned of this grant while in Armenia, where he is providing educational services for a week. Mazmanian does not have concrete plans for the money, but hopes to provide Armenians with better opportunities for higher education and improve poor laboratory conditions.