July 20, 15:21

Iran and Turkey plan to establish a joint innovation center and develop scientific cooperation

According to an official representative of the Ministry of Science, Iran and Turkey intend to establish a joint innovation center and develop a sustainable business model for interaction.

Technological Cooperation

As part of implementing megatechnological projects, both countries have prepared nine technological initiatives for joint implementation. This was reported by Mohammad-Nabi Shahiki, citing the IRNA agency. These statements were made during a meeting dedicated to planning the Iran-Turkey Science and Technology Week.

Shahiki emphasized the significance of science and technology parks in expanding international cooperation. He noted that the main goal is to transition from academic interaction to creating a synergistic network that includes universities, research institutes, and technology parks. This network will facilitate joint projects in education, research, and technology, generating common strategic results for both sides.

Science and Technology Week

Ehsan Kabul, head of the Ministry of Science's International Scientific Cooperation Center, announced that the Iran-Turkey Science and Technology Week is scheduled for the second month of autumn in Urmia (Western Azerbaijan) and Tabriz (Eastern Azerbaijan).

Previously, in February, Kabul and the Turkish ambassador in Tehran, Hijabi Kırlangıç, studied the potential, challenges, and future prospects of strengthening scientific, research, and educational cooperation between Iran and Turkey.

Diplomacy and Education

The parties agreed to boost scientific diplomacy by organizing the Iran-Turkey Science Week, holding regular meetings of leading universities, developing joint scientific projects, and establishing science and technology parks, especially in border areas. Kabul stated that the main task is to form a unified scientific ecosystem covering all aspects from higher education to applied research and modern technologies.

Another discussed issue was co-supervision of dissertations. The official representative noted that students from Persia and Turkey can help solve common problems of the two countries, conduct joint research, and enhance the international scientific status of Iranian and Turkish universities.

Furthermore, it was proposed to exchange students, provide scholarships, organize joint scientific competitions on common environmental, technological, and industrial issues, and develop joint curricula to strengthen cultural ties and localize education.

Student Attraction and Visa Issues

Iranian officials demonstrated readiness to accept more Turkish students, given the high potential of the country's medical universities. Currently, over 130 Turkish students are studying medicine in Iran. For his part, Kırlangıç highlighted the need to resolve issues related to visa issuance and equivalent certificates, stressing that transparent mechanisms would increase trust among students and their families.

Iran's Scientific Potential

In June, Minister of Science, Research, and Technology Hossein Simai-Sarraf spoke at the VII Turkish Educational Technology Summit (TETZ 2026), highlighting the country's high scientific and research capabilities despite sanctions. According to Simai-Sarraf, Iran ranks first among Islamic countries in cognitive sciences and ninth in the world in advanced materials. Many renowned Iranian universities are included in international rankings.

Simai-Sarraf noted that Iran represents a significant opportunity for investment in modern technologies and higher education, possessing one of the largest higher education systems in the region with over three million students and more than seventy thousand faculty members and researchers.

The Future of Smart Education

The minister stressed that the rapid development of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, is fundamentally changing human relations and higher education systems worldwide at an unprecedented pace. He stated that the effective use of intelligent technologies requires creating a system based on algorithmic transparency, educational equity, accountability, protection of student rights, and responsible data management.

In the minister's view, cultural and social requirements must be integrated into the design and implementation process of these technologies. This will help promote social trust, facilitate the adoption of smart education, and ensure its acceptance without risks to data governance at national and international levels. He expressed hope that the summit would serve as a basis for expanding academic ties, knowledge exchange, and developing joint initiatives in the field of smart education.

www.tehrantimes.comJuly 18, 15:18

Iran presents proposals to strengthen regional cooperation at the ANF summit

At the Asian Nanoforum (ANF) Summit, held in Hsinchu, Taiwan, on July 16 and 17, Iran put forward three proposals aimed at expanding regional interaction in advanced technologies, human capital development, and international standardization.

Participants and Goal of the Summit

The ANF 2026 Summit gathered representatives from member states such as Japan, South Korea, Iran, Taiwan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, and Vietnam. According to the IRNA agency, the Iranian delegation participated in the meeting in an online format. The annual summit aims to study changing technological trends, stimulate scientific and industrial cooperation, and develop joint regional programs. This year, the event was held concurrently with the annual meeting of the Taiwan Society of Nanomedicine.

First Proposal: Micro- and Nanoelectronics

Iran's first proposal focused on strengthening cooperation in the field of micro- and nanoelectronics. The country suggested that universities, research centers, and leading industries of member countries establish a network for implementing joint research projects, exchanging specialists, and holding scientific events. Furthermore, it was proposed to hold a Symposium on Transformational Technologies in 2027 with the participation of summit members. This symposium will cover topics such as neuromorphic computing, intelligent sensors, bioelectronics, and new smart mobility technologies, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and developing technological ties between Asian nations.

Second Proposal: Education and Human Capital

The second proposal concerned education and human capital development. Based on Iran's successful experience in developing and organizing the International Olympiad on Nanotechnology for High School Students (INO-HS), ANF members were invited to actively participate in organizing future editions of this event. As the permanent secretariat of the International Olympiad on Nanotechnology for Students, Iran invited member countries to attend the third edition, scheduled for December 6 to 12 in Chinese Taipei. The goal is to identify top talents, enhance qualifications, and build a network of young leaders in nanotechnology across Asia.

Third Proposal: International ISO Standards

The third proposal emphasized expanding regional cooperation in developing international ISO standards for nanotechnology. Iran proposed three specific topics for the development of these standards: firstly, a standard for technical specifications and performance evaluation methods of graphene and other two-dimensional materials in energy storage systems to establish unified quality assessment criteria; secondly, a standard for specifications and testing methods of thermal insulating nanocoatings, aimed at harmonizing performance and durability assessment methods; and thirdly, a guide on the application of micro- and ultrafine bubble technology in aquaculture, intended to expand the use of this technology to increase productivity and improve water quality in the aquaculture industry.

Nanotechnology in Iran as an Economic Force

These initiatives reflect Iran's approach to improving regional cooperation, developing strategic technologies and human capital, and making a constructive contribution to the creation of international standards. By creating a foundation for joint projects, these endeavors will help strengthen the position of Asian nations in the global nanotechnology ecosystem. Moreover, progress in nanotechnology in Iran goes beyond purely scientific achievement. Over 430 companies operate in the nanotechnology sector in the country, and more than 1960 nanotechnology products have received nanoscale certifications. As reported by IRNA, the development of nanotechnology in the country is measured not only by scientific rankings and published articles but also by the products manufactured and brought to market. The total sales volume of these products exceeds 970 trillion rials (approximately 554 million dollars), indicating that scientific achievements have translated into economic and industrial potential.