Iranian Youth Shine at BRICS Young Scientists Forum: Innovating for the Future
TEHRAN – In a significant move for science diplomacy, twelve young Iranian scientists, all under the age of 40, recently represented the country at the 10th Young Scientists Forum and the 8th Young Innovator Prize. Supported by the Center for Progress and Development of Iran (CPDI) and the Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-based Economy, these researchers focused on pressing issues such as artificial intelligence (AI) and climate change. The event took place in Brasilia, Brazil, from September 15 to 17, gathering researchers and entrepreneurs from various member countries, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and several others.
The forum aimed to showcase innovative solutions in science and technology while addressing sustainable development challenges. According to gov.br, the primary objective was to support scientific projects that have a tangible social impact.
Key Topics Discussed at the Forum
- Mitigating Climate Change: Strategies for adapting to and reducing the effects of climate change.
- Scientific Diplomacy: Promoting international collaboration and dialogue in science.
- Artificial Intelligence: Leveraging AI for social solutions and improvements.
One of the notable aspects of the event was the 8th edition of the BRICS Young Innovators Award. This award acknowledges inventors and researchers who offer impactful solutions to social and economic challenges, highlighting the belief in youth’s potential to drive significant changes across health, environment, social inclusion, and technology.
Throughout the three-day forum, Iranian representatives actively participated by delivering scientific lectures and presenting research projects on various critical issues, including:
- Comprehensive modeling of environmental, economic, and social impacts of COP policies in BRICS states.
- Technological innovations in water and renewable energy sectors.
- Interdisciplinary studies focusing on climate change and biosecurity.
- Science diplomacy in a rapidly changing world.
- Utilization of AI for enhancing social initiatives.
- Strategies for improving the quality of life for citizens in BRICS countries.
Moreover, they proposed strategies aimed at enhancing scientific interactions among member states, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Iranian Researchers’ Global Standing
Recent international data reveals a promising trend regarding Iranian researchers. Their presence in the top two percent of global researchers, measured by citation indicators, continues to rise, reflecting an improvement in the quality of the country’s scientific output.
The “updated science-wide author databases of standardized citation indicators” reported on September 19 that Iran has seen remarkable growth in both one-year performance and career-long citation metrics. According to Peyman Salehi, deputy science minister, this increase signifies a substantial enhancement in the quality and impact of Iran’s scientific production.
As per the report, the number of highly cited Iranian researchers in the one-year performance index has escalated from 2,326 during the Iranian year 1403 (2024-2025) to 2,533 in 1404 (2025-2026). This increase of 207 individuals clearly demonstrates the advancement in the quality and impact of the country’s scientific contributions in 2024.
Additionally, the career-long citation index for highly cited Iranian researchers has shown significant growth, moving from 1,018 in 1403 to 1,021 in 1404. A five-year trend analysis indicates that Iran has made substantial progress in this area, growing from 433 in 1399, nearly tripling its figure over this period.
The achievements of Iranian scientists at the Young Scientists Forum and Innovator Prize not only highlight the country’s commitment to science diplomacy but also underscore the vital role of young researchers in addressing global challenges. Their contributions to discussions on climate change, AI, and sustainable development reflect a promising future for science and technology in Iran.
As these young scientists continue to break barriers and lead innovative research, the potential for impactful solutions to pressing social issues becomes increasingly evident. The collaboration fostered through events like the Young Scientists Forum serves as a catalyst for driving meaningful change on a global scale.