Society

Iranian Doctor Wins 2024 Kuwait Prize for Breakthrough in Non-Communicable Disease Control

October 22, 2025October 22, 2025

In an inspiring development for the scientific community, Iranian professor Majid Ghayour Mobarhan, affiliated with Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, has been awarded the prestigious State of Kuwait Prize for the Control of Cancer, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Diabetes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. This recognition, administered by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlights significant contributions to the prevention and control of critical health issues.

The State of Kuwait Prize aims to honor prominent scientists who have excelled in research related to:

Cancer
Cardiovascular Disease
Diabetes

Professor Mobarhan received the accolade for his groundbreaking work titled ‘Predicting Cardiovascular Disease in the MASHAD Cohort Study’. This study is recognized as one of Asia’s foremost health initiatives, focusing on the prediction of cardiovascular risk factors. By identifying these risks early, health professionals can enhance diagnosis, improve decision-making, and provide effective treatment for high-risk patients, according to the health ministry’s official website.

In addition to this remarkable achievement, Mobarhan is the founder of the International United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, further emphasizing his dedication to advancing public health.

The prize includes a bronze medal and a monetary award. Due to a delay in his visa issuance, Mobarhan was unable to attend the award ceremony held in Cairo, Egypt, during the 72nd session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean (RC72) from October 15 to 17. Instead, Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raeisi accepted the award on his behalf.

Notably, other Iranian scholars have also received this esteemed prize in recent years. For instance:

Davood Khalili, who received the award in 2023
Afshin Ostovar, honored in 2022
Fereydoun Azizi, recognized in 2007

Iranian Researchers Achieving Global Recognition

The latest data indicates a remarkable increase in the number of Iranian researchers listed among the top two percent globally, based on citation metrics. This upward trend underscores a significant enhancement in the quality of scientific output from Iran.

The updated “science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators” reported on September 19 that Iranian researchers have shown unprecedented growth in both one-year performance and career-long metrics. Peyman Salehi, deputy science minister, elaborated on this achievement, stating:

“Iran has experienced an unprecedented growth in both one-year performance and scientific career-long indicators.”

According to the report, the number of highly cited Iranian researchers in the one-year performance index rose from 2,326 in the Iranian year 1403 (2024-2025) to 2,533 in 1404 (2025-2026). This increase of 207 individuals reflects a significant improvement in the quality and impact of the country’s scientific output in 2024.

Moreover, the career-long index of highly cited Iranian researchers has also seen substantial growth, increasing from 1,018 in 1403 to 1,021 in 1404. A five-year analysis indicates a remarkable rise from 433 in 1399, showcasing nearly a threefold increase during this period.

Salehi further explained the significance of the career-long index, noting:

“The career-long index refers to a researcher’s scientific performance over their entire career and includes the total number of citations received by the researcher’s articles through the end of 2024. This index evaluates metrics such as the number of citations, h-index, and the researcher’s contribution to collaborative articles.”

The achievements of Iranian researchers, including those like Professor Mobarhan, highlight the growing recognition of Iran’s contributions to global health and science. With continued dedication and innovation, Iranian scholars are poised to make further advancements in addressing critical health challenges.

As the scientific community continues to evolve, the impact of such awards and recognitions serves not only to celebrate individual accomplishments but also to inspire future generations of researchers in the Eastern Mediterranean region and beyond.

Society

Hope for Cheetah Survival: Why We Must Protect This Majestic Species
January 12, 2025January 20, 2025

The critically endangered Asiatic cheetah is receiving significant conservation efforts from Iran’s Department of Environment (DOE). Key initiatives include relocating domestic animals from cheetah habitats, improving road safety on the Tehran-Mashhad route, and establishing captive breeding programs. DOE representative Hamid Zohrabi noted that over 150,000 hectares have been cleared of domestic animals. Safety measures aim to reduce cheetah fatalities, while advanced monitoring tools and community involvement are being explored. The DOE’s goal is to boost the wild cheetah population to at least 50 individuals, supported by a new comprehensive document on cheetah growth and maintenance.

Read More Hope for Cheetah Survival: Why We Must Protect This Majestic Species
Society

Iran’s Marriage Dilemma: 17 Million Young Iranians Face the Struggles of Forced Singleness
September 2, 2025September 2, 2025

Economic turmoil, rising unemployment, and soaring living costs have rendered marriage unattainable for about one-third of Iran’s population, particularly affecting the youth. According to a recent report, over 17 million young Iranians, including 9.5 million men and 7.5 million women under 45, have never married. This situation highlights a broader social crisis, as marriage has shifted from a cherished institution to a luxury for the wealthy. The lack of stable jobs and financial security has made starting a family feel impossible. Experts warn that this trend signals a deepening social collapse, potentially fueling unrest among disillusioned youth seeking change.

Read More Iran’s Marriage Dilemma: 17 Million Young Iranians Face the Struggles of Forced Singleness
Society

Iranian Bird Conservationist Honored with Young Wetland Champion Award for Environmental Advocacy
January 29, 2025January 29, 2025

Iman Ebrahimi, founder of the AvayeBoom Bird Conservation Association, has won the Ramsar Wetland Conservation Award for Young Wetland Champions, recognizing his decade-long dedication to wetland bird conservation. The award was announced during the Ramsar Convention’s 64th meeting in Switzerland and will be formally presented at COP15 in July in Zimbabwe. The Ramsar award aims to honor young individuals’ contributions to wetland preservation. Despite these achievements, Iran’s wetlands face significant threats, with 43% at risk of drying due to low precipitation and poor water rights. Local community involvement and sustainable practices are crucial for effective conservation efforts.

Read More Iranian Bird Conservationist Honored with Young Wetland Champion Award for Environmental Advocacy
Society

FAO Honors Qazvin’s Baghestan with Prestigious GIAHS Certificate!
November 5, 2025November 5, 2025

The ancient traditional gardens of Qazvin, or Baghestan, have received the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) certificate from the FAO, highlighting the need to preserve historically significant agricultural practices. Iran now has six GIAHS sites, ranking fourth worldwide. The gardens, with around 100 local varieties of fruits, utilize flood-spreading systems for irrigation and embody rich cultural heritage. The GIAHS initiative aims to protect unique agricultural systems and promote sustainable practices. This recognition not only honors the past but also fosters knowledge exchange and food security for future generations, inspiring similar efforts globally.

Read More FAO Honors Qazvin’s Baghestan with Prestigious GIAHS Certificate!
Culture

Iranian Short Film ‘Sheep’ Shines at Three International Festivals!
April 14, 2025April 14, 2025

The Iranian short film “Sheep,” directed by Hadi Babaeifar, is gaining recognition at the RiverRun International Film Festival in North Carolina. This 2024 production, running for 13 minutes, follows a young girl named Rose in Tehran as she attempts to save sheep destined for sacrifice. The film features performances by Rose Tabatabaie and Gelavij Alam, adding emotional depth. “Sheep” will also be showcased at the Busan International Short Film Festival and the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen later this month. Babaeifar’s work highlights the innocence of childhood and showcases the evolving narrative of Iranian cinema on the global stage.

Read More Iranian Short Film ‘Sheep’ Shines at Three International Festivals!
Culture

“Dive into Fantasy: ‘Piranesi’ Now Available in Iranian Bookstores!”
October 14, 2025October 14, 2025

Milkan Publications recently released the Persian translation of Susanna Clarke’s acclaimed novel “Piranesi” in Tehran. Originally published in 2020, the book has gained popularity for its imaginative storytelling and profound themes. It follows the enigmatic protagonist, Piranesi, through a labyrinthine House filled with unique statues and an ever-present sea. The narrative, presented as Piranesi’s journal, explores themes of isolation, imagination, and existentialism. Awarded the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2021, “Piranesi” has also been adapted into a BBC radio drama and is set to be transformed into an animated film by Laika, directed by Travis Knight.

Read More “Dive into Fantasy: ‘Piranesi’ Now Available in Iranian Bookstores!”