TEHRAN – Officials from Iran and Russia have discussed ways to expand interactions and cooperation in nano-technology between the institutes of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Iran’s nanotechnology headquarters.

During a meeting that was held in Ekaterinburg, Russia, on the sidelines of the second international conference on Materials Science and Nanotechnology, August 27-30, both parties agreed to enhance scientific cooperation through exchanging professors and students, carrying out joint scientific research projects, publishing scientific articles in the journals of each country, and holding short-term scientific courses to enhance knowledge in microelectronics, artificial intelligence, and materials genome fields, ISNA reported.

Also, the two sides decided to sign memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for each of the above-mentioned subjects.

Joint science, technology co-op

In July, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia Ayrat Gatiyatov stated, “Following a recent agreement within the framework of the joint cooperation committee, Russia and Iran will establish a subcommittee for scientific and technological cooperation.”

The official made the remarks in a meeting with the head of Iranian Islamic Seminaries Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, and Iran’s ambassador to Moscow Kazem Jalali on July 23, IRNA reported.

"Currently, we are coordinating the composition of the joint committee's membership, and Russia is scheduled to host the first session," Gatiyatov said.

He also announced Russia’s full support of fostering research and educational ties with Iran.

Referring to the sixth meeting of the heads of top universities from Iran and Russia at Moscow State University last year, Gatiyatov stressed that these meetings have always yielded practical outcomes and resulted in the signing of memorandums of understanding.

He went on to say that currently, Iran and Russia are conducting 15 joint projects in fields like material sciences and biotechnology which are scheduled to last for three years, with budgets ranging from $40,000 to $70,000.

The official also highlighted the challenges faced by over eight thousand Iranian students in Russia, particularly those who major in the field of medical science, 95 percent of whom face degree recognition issues.

Gatiyatov expressed optimism that authorities would facilitate the recognition and acknowledgment of their degrees soon.

Iran a global leader in nano-tech

Iran's achievements in nanotechnology are noteworthy. The increase in scientific publications and sales of nano products proves Iran's rise as a global leader in this field.

One of the industries that have experienced good growth in Iran in recent years is the nanotechnology industry, a subject area that has brought Iran to the impressive fourth place worldwide.

According to StatNano, a leading nanotechnology website, Iran has made great strides in the field of nanotechnology being ranked fourth in terms of nanotechnology publication.

This ranking proves the country’s remarkable scientific development.

The nanotechnology sector is a prime example of success in Iran, an arena consisting of expert and program-oriented human resources with significant goals that shine like a jewel in the country’s innovation and technology ecosystem.

With the support of talented academicians and knowledge-based companies, the nanotechnology sector has indigenized many technologies to solve the country's main challenges in various areas, including industry.

MT/MG