Kruszelnicki, known as Dr Karl, has been popularising science for almost 40 years with his books, TV appearances and well known science talk-back radio show on ABC's Triple J.

Created in 1951 the Kalinga Prize is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation's (UNESCO's) oldest prize and is awarded to people with a highly distinguished career in scientific communication.

Previous recipients include legendary figures David Attenborough, Arthur C Clarke, Bertrand Russell and David Suzuki among previous winners.

"I'm ever so honoured by this prize," said Dr Karl, who thanked the University of Sydney for their ongoing support for his work that isn't necessarily "mainstream".

Dr Karl is the only Australian to have been awarded the prestigious prize, but is no stranger to accolades.

He was awarded the Australian Father of the Year award in 2003, made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2006 and named a National Living Treasure in 2012.

The UNESCO Kalinga Prize will be presented to Dr Karl at an awards ceremony in Budapest early Thursday morning (AEDT).

Australian Associated Press