TEHRAN – The winners of the 25th edition of the Science Promotion Award were announced and honored on Thursday, the last day of Science Promotion Week.

The Science Promotion Award is dedicated to individuals and institutions that have made outstanding efforts to promote science in society, ISNA reported.

The award aims to recognize and encourage individuals, groups, and organizations that have used creativity and innovation to promote science and present it in a simple and understandable language to all members of society.

This year, the award is given in eight fields including media, creative and innovative methods, environment, teachers in underprivileged areas, science and society, children’s literature, scientific associations and institutions, and sustainable effort.

Science Promotion Week 

Science Promotion Week was held from November 8 to 14 in the country.

The week was celebrated by holding different programs including a two-day science exhibition on November 9 and 10.  

During the week-long celebration, the World Science Day for Peace and Development was also commemorated on November 10. 

Promoting science refers to the attempt to reflect scientific ideas in a way that everyone can understand its basic concepts. In other words, science promotion involves any activity that aims to popularize science, expand scientific thinking and mindset, and make individuals interested in science and scientific activities.

The World Science Day for Peace and Development highlights the significant role of science in society and the need to engage the wider public in debates on emerging scientific issues. The Day also underlines the importance and relevance of science in daily living.

By linking science more closely with society, World Science Day for Peace and Development aims to ensure that citizens are kept informed of developments in science. It underscores the role scientists play in broadening our understanding of our planet and in making our societies more sustainable.

This year’s theme at UNESCO Headquarters was ‘Why Science Matters – Engaging Minds and Empowering Futures’. 

Since its proclamation by UNESCO in 2001, World Science Day for Peace and Development has generated many concrete projects, programs, and funding for science around the world.

The Day has also helped foster cooperation between scientists living in regions marred by conflict – one example being the UNESCO-supported creation of the Israeli-Palestinian Science Organization (IPSO).

The rationale for celebrating World Science Day for Peace and Development has its roots in the importance of the role of science and scientists for sustainable societies and in the need to inform and involve citizens in science. In this sense, World Science Day for Peace and Development offers an opportunity to show the general public the relevance of science in their lives and to engage them in discussions. Such a venture also brings a unique perspective to the global search for peace and development.

The first World Science Day for Peace and Development was celebrated worldwide on 10 November 2002 under UNESCO auspices.

The celebration involved many partners, such as governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental organizations, UNESCO National Commissions, scientific and research institutions, professional associations, the media, science teachers, and schools.

MT/MG