Tehran and Baghdad Forge Strategic Action Plan to Boost Scientific Collaboration
TEHRAN – In a significant move to enhance scientific collaborations, Iran and Iraq have officially signed an action plan aimed at bolstering their academic ties. This agreement was finalized by Omid Rezaei-Far, a representative from the Ministry of Science, and Haider Abd Dahed, the Iraqi Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, during the opening day of the second Iran-Iraq Science Week. This event is currently taking place in the historic city of Karbala, Iraq, as reported by IRNA.
Overview of the Iran-Iraq Science Week
The second Iran-Iraq Science Week commenced on Saturday and will run through Monday, serving as a platform for fostering scientific and technological cooperation between the two nations. The joint scientific programs outlined in the action plan focus on various key areas:
- Scholarship Opportunities: Cooperation on granting scholarships for graduate and postgraduate education, particularly through a program titled ‘Study in Iraq’.
- Training Courses: Implementation of training courses aimed at both professors and students.
- Scientific Supervision: Promotion of joint scientific supervision initiatives.
- Faculty Exchange: Opportunities for professors to conduct collaborative scientific research.
- Science Technology Parks: Establishment of science technology parks in Iraq, managed collaboratively by the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
Scholarships for Iraqi Students
Saeed Habiba, the Deputy Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, announced the commitment to provide 200 scholarships annually to Iraqi students through the Iraqi Ministry of Science. He emphasized, “Promoting joint activities and creating equal opportunities for scientific and cultural development between the two countries are among our top policies.”
Goals of the Science Week
The second Iran-Iraq Science Week aims to:
- Enhance scientific, academic, and technological relations.
- Bring together representatives from over 60 leading universities in both countries.
- Facilitate the sharing of expertise and showcasing modern scientific and technological achievements.
- Establish new partnerships across various technical disciplines.
Habiba also highlighted plans to attract more Iraqi students through the development of virtual and hybrid learning platforms.
Addressing Challenges for Iraqi Students
Regarding the challenges faced by Iraqi students studying in Iran, Habiba stated, “We are striving to address these issues and enhance the educational conditions for students from both nations. Our commitment includes developing infrastructure, streamlining processes, and tackling existing challenges.”
Joint Educational Programs
The collaboration extends to the development of joint fields of study, requiring students to engage in educational programs that will take place in both Iran and Iraq.
Focus on Scientific Exchange
On January 17, Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Naeem Al-Aboudi, emphasized the importance of exchanging professors and students, as well as launching joint educational programs with Iran to meet Iraq’s scientific and research needs. He remarked, “Iran serves as a role model in the region for scientific advancement, especially in modern technologies like nanotechnology and biotechnology. Iraq aims to leverage Iran’s expertise to enhance its technological and scientific framework.”
Strategic Cooperation Initiatives
During a meeting with Hossein Simaei-Sarraf, Iran’s Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, Al-Aboudi highlighted the need for a comprehensive roadmap for future collaborations. Simaei-Sarraf reaffirmed the significance of scientific interactions as a means to promote sustainable development between the two countries.
He stated, “Iran is prepared to share its expertise across various fields, including the establishment of science and technology parks and enhancing research infrastructure.”
Historical Context of Cooperation
Gholam-Reza Abazari, Iran’s cultural attaché in Iraq, noted that the first Iran-Iraq Science Week, held in Mashhad, Iran, from October 9 to 12, successfully resulted in several memorandums of understanding that expanded scientific relations and opened doors for further operational cooperation across various fields.
He emphasized the event’s importance, stating, “It not only allows the exchange of knowledge but also enhances communication among scientific elites, fosters joint technologies, and strengthens academic infrastructure.”
Future Prospects for Collaboration
The Iran-Iraq Science Week is not merely a scientific event; it plays a crucial role in strengthening scientific diplomacy and establishing strategic links for a promising future. Abazari added that coordination meetings with Iranian and Iraqi officials have already taken place to discuss program details and joint scientific goals.
On January 14, Al-Aboudi reiterated Iraq’s interest in learning from Iran’s experience in establishing science and technology parks, highlighting the regulatory framework in place for such initiatives.
“Enhancing cooperation between Iraqi and Iranian universities can significantly boost the scientific capacities of both countries and address their challenges,” he stated.
Conclusion
Both nations are committed to ensuring that scientific cooperation between Iran and Iraq parallels their political and cultural relations. Simaei-Sarraf concluded by expressing Iran’s readiness to extend its expertise in technology sectors, including establishing science and technology parks, providing consultations, and exploring investment opportunities.
Furthermore, Iranian universities, including Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology, and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, are set to open branches in Iraq, marking a significant step towards deeper academic collaboration.
As the second Iran-Iraq Science Week unfolds, it promises to strengthen scientific ties and foster innovative solutions for both nations, paving the way for a collaborative future in education and research.
