TEHRAN –Three Iranian scholars won Life-time Contribution Award in physics, and mathematics, as well as the Best Patent Award of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH) in 2023.

Life-time Contribution Award in physics has been awarded to Yasaman Farzan, from the school of physics at the institute for research in fundamental sciences. 

The award of the same category in mathematics has been bestowed upon Saieed Akbari Feyzaabaadi, from the department of mathematical sciences at Sharif University of Technology.

Somayyeh Koohi, from the department of computer engineering at Sharif University of Technology, has won the Best Patent Award.

According to the OIC COMSTECH website, the winners, have been selected through a rigorous peer-review process. The awardees' dedication has significantly advanced scientific knowledge and fostered innovation in OIC member states and globally. 

Each award carries a certificate signed by the chairman of COMSTECH (the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan), a shield of honor, and a cash prize.

The main objectives of COMSTECH include the assessment of human and material resources of member states and the identification of their scientific and technological needs and requirements.

Enhancement of cooperation and coordination in scientific and technological fields amongst the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states with a view to achieving collective competence in science and technology for the solution of the problems of the OIC member states is the other main goal.

Moreover, it looks for the creation of an effective institutional structure for planning, research, development, and monitoring of scientific and technological activities at national, regional, and international levels.

COMSTECH

COMSTECH the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the OIC was established by the Third Islamic Summit of OIC held at Makkah, Saudi Arabia in January 1981.

The core mandate of COMSTECH is to strengthen cooperation among OIC Member States in science and technology (S&T), enhance their capabilities through training in emerging areas, undertake follow-up-actions and implement the resolutions of the OIC, and draw up programs and submit proposals designed to increase the capability of the Muslim countries in science and technology (S&T).

The ultimate aim is to build and nourish a scientific culture in addition to using S&T as a major contributor to socio-economic development and rapid industrialization.

COMSTECH works in close collaboration with various Standing Committees and other organs of the OIC, Member States of the OIC, and their major Scientific and Technological Institutions, in addition to some international organizations.

Some organizations include the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Islamic World Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ICESCO), Islamic World Academy of Sciences (IAS), Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), International Foundation for Science, (IFS), World Health Organization – Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO–EMRO).

MT/MG