The President of the Iranian National Science Foundation (INSF) took part in the XIV Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) within the BRICS framework, which was held on August 21 in Chennai, India.
Delegations from BRICS member countries, including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates, participated in this meeting. Senior officials and representatives from these countries discussed ways to expand scientific and technological and innovation cooperation, strengthen knowledge-based economies, and utilize the potential of BRICS member countries, according to IRNA.
Parallel to the event, Mohammad-Reza Hormozinejad met with Umesh V. Waghmare, Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology of the Government of India. These officials explored opportunities for developing scientific and technological ties between Iran and India within the BRICS framework.
Themes of the XIV Meeting
The XIV meeting was held under the slogan 'Building Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainable Development.' The main focus of STI cooperation was on a human-centered approach and the priority of humanity, paying attention to sustainable development, sustainable and high-quality growth, social inclusivity, as well as using innovations and technologies to improve the well-being and quality of life of people in all BRICS countries.
Key areas of discussion included new technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced materials, and biotechnology, as well as inclusive innovation—a concept where technological innovations must remain accessible, affordable, reliable, and sustainable.
Strengthening Scientific Ties Between Tehran and New Delhi
Iranian and Indian officials emphasized the need to develop scientific ties between the two states, especially in the fields of education, research, technology, and innovation.
The current Minister of Science, Research and Technology of Iran, Masoud Shams-Bakhsh, and the Minister of Education of India, Shri Pralhad Joshi, held a meeting on Friday on the sidelines of the XIII BRICS Minister of Education, which took place from August 5 to 7 in Odisha, India. This meeting focused on increasing academic interaction between Iranian and Indian universities, encouraging cooperation between scientific institutions, improving educational opportunities for students and researchers, and utilizing existing capacities and digital education to support the new generation and promote innovation, as reported by IRNA.
Furthermore, Shams-Bakhsh, along with Mohammad-Nabi Shahiki Tash, Deputy Minister of Technology and Innovation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and their delegation visited the International Centre for Genetic Engineering in India (ICGEB). According to ICGEB.org, the delegation was received by the Director of ICGEB in New Delhi, who, together with the heads of the Centre's groups, held productive discussions on advancing scientific cooperation, facilitating research partnerships, and exploring future collaboration opportunities in areas of mutual interest. This interaction demonstrated a shared commitment to developing excellence in biotechnology, innovation, and capacity building through international scientific exchange.
Discussions were aimed at strengthening scientific cooperation, developing research partnerships, training Iranian researchers, and exploring future prospects in biotechnology and innovation. During the visit, the delegation toured the ICGEB Bioreactor and several modern research facilities of the Centre. This visit provided insight into ICGEB's advanced research programs in New Delhi, its modern technological platforms, and its innovation ecosystem, demonstrating the Centre's contribution to biotechnology research in human health, agriculture, industrial biotechnology, and sustainable development.
The visit confirmed the importance of international partnerships in solving global scientific problems and strengthening cooperation in science, research, and technology.