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

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

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.

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