Join the Innovation: 2nd Iran-Iraq Science Week Set to Ignite Collaboration and Discovery!

The upcoming Iran-Iraq Science Week is set to take place from January 18 to 20 in Karbala, Iraq, marking a significant event aimed at enhancing scientific collaboration between the two neighboring countries. This gathering will bring together representatives from over 60 leading universities in both nations, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and technological advancements.

The primary objective of the Iran-Iraq Science Week is to foster scientific, academic, and technological relationships. It will serve as a vital platform for sharing expertise, showcasing modern scientific and technological achievements, and paving the way for new partnerships across various technical fields.

According to Gholam-Reza Abazari, Iran’s cultural attaché in Iraq, the inaugural Iran-Iraq Science Week, held in Mashhad, Iran, from October 9 to 12, led to the signing of several memorandums of understanding. These agreements have significantly expanded scientific relations and created new opportunities for operational cooperation in various sectors.

Abazari emphasized that the importance of this event goes beyond mere knowledge exchange; it also aims to:

• Enhance communication among scientific elites.
• Develop joint technologies.
• Strengthen academic infrastructure.

He further elaborated that the Iran-Iraq Science Week represents a key milestone in strengthening scientific diplomacy and establishing strategic links for a brighter future.

A coordination meeting has already taken place between Iranian and Iraqi officials to discuss program details and strategies for achieving their joint scientific and research objectives.

Iraq’s Aspiration for Scientific Collaboration

Iraqi Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Naeem Al-Aboudi, expressed Iraq’s keen interest in leveraging Iran’s expertise in the establishment of science and technology parks during a meeting with Iran’s Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, Hossein Simaei-Sarraf.

Highlighting Iran’s capabilities in the technology sector, Al-Aboudi stated, “Regulations have been passed to establish technology parks in Iraq, and we are eager to utilize Iran’s experience.”

He underscored that enhancing collaboration between Iraqi and Iranian universities would:

• Boost the scientific capacities of both countries.
• Assist in resolving shared challenges.

Al-Aboudi advocated for scientific cooperation to be on par with political and cultural relations, stating that Iraqi universities are preparing for the upcoming Iran-Iraq Science Week.

Simaei-Sarraf reaffirmed Iran’s readiness to share its extensive experience in founding technological and knowledge-based companies. He indicated that Iran is prepared to assist Iraq through:

• Consultation services.
• Investment opportunities.

In addition, he announced that several Iranian universities, including Iran University of Science and Technology, Sharif University of Technology, and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, plan to open branches in Iraq.

Addressing the shared interests and commonalities between the two countries, Simaei-Sarraf noted the importance of implementing existing agreements and memorandums to further develop relations in science and technology.

As the second Iran-Iraq Science Week approaches, he mentioned that Iranian universities have devised a roadmap to enhance scientific cooperation between the two nations, which will be unveiled at the event.

A Look Back at the First Science Week

During the inaugural five-day conference, several memorandums of understanding were signed to:

• Expand scientific and technological relations.
• Implement joint research projects.
• Develop cooperation between scientific and research institutions in both countries.

These memorandums included various cooperative initiatives such as:

• Research opportunities for graduates.
• Joint supervision and development of post-doctoral pathways.
• Student exchanges between universities.
• Fellowships in diverse specializations.
• Cultural, artistic, and sports programs.
• Joint research projects.
• Access to laboratory services and logistical support from both countries’ universities.

Moreover, the memorandums outlined the framework for:

• Scientific training cooperation.
• Exchanging scientific consultations related to curricula and academic courses.

It was agreed to establish a joint committee from both countries to coordinate efforts, monitor progress, and facilitate the implementation of these initiatives.

As the Iran-Iraq Science Week unfolds, it is expected to significantly strengthen the ties between Iranian and Iraqi academic and scientific communities, fostering a collaborative environment for future advancements.