Society

University of Tehran Partners with Beijing International Exchange Association in Strategic MOU Signing

April 13, 2025April 13, 2025

The recent partnership between the Caspian International Campus of the University of Tehran and the Beijing International Exchange Association (BIEA) marks a significant advancement in fostering scientific ties between Iran and China. This collaboration aims to enhance educational and research exchanges, particularly within the framework of the BRICS alliance.

On Saturday, an online meeting took place where both parties agreed on several key initiatives to strengthen their collaboration. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between them emphasizes the following objectives:

Joint Educational Strategies: Developing strategies that promote educational exchange and research collaboration.
Communication Network: Establishing a robust communication network among experts from both institutions.
Annual Competitions: Participating in organizing annual BRICS technology competitions to foster innovation and support knowledge-based start-ups.
Broader Collaborations: The University of Tehran is encouraged to introduce other research institutions for potential partnerships with BIEA.

BIEA plays a crucial role in promoting international cooperation. The organization maintains strong ties with BRICS and various Chinese governmental institutions. Notably, BIEA functions as an advisory body to the United Nations, engaging with numerous centers across over 50 countries, particularly within the BRICS community.

In a related development, Iranian universities are actively seeking to enhance scientific collaborations with Chinese educational institutions, aligned with Iran’s strategic partnership with China. During a meeting on April 10 in China, Saeed Habiba, the deputy minister of science, research, and technology, met with Sheng Jianxue, the secretary-general of the China Scholarship Council. The discussions focused on:

Joint Academic Programs: Implementing joint academic courses to promote learning and collaboration.
Faculty and Student Exchanges: Facilitating the exchange of professors and students between Iranian and Chinese universities.
Government Scholarships: Expanding scholarship programs to support international education.
Technological Partnerships: Enhancing technological ties and scientific interactions.
Expertise Sharing: Sharing expertise to foster mutual growth in scientific fields.

During the meeting, Habiba highlighted Iran’s rich academic and scientific capabilities, showcasing the potential for impactful collaborations. Following the discussions, he visited a Chinese technology park to gain insights into their advanced technological capacities and scientific accomplishments.

This initiative builds on the comprehensive cooperation agreement signed between Iran and China in March 2021, which outlines a 25-year strategic partnership aimed at enhancing various sectors, including education and technology.

Furthermore, in April 2024, representatives from Iranian universities and the BRICS Expert Council convened in Tehran to explore pathways for expanding scientific cooperation. This meeting marked a significant step in discussing scientific research and technological initiatives among BRICS member states.

Victoria Panova, head of the council and Vice-Rector of HSE University in Russia, along with Omid Rezaei-Far from Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, engaged in fruitful discussions to bolster scientific and technological ties between the two nations. Panova remarked, “Despite cruel sanctions, Iran has achieved many accomplishments in agriculture, biotechnology, technology, and engineering sciences.”

She further emphasized that the BRICS alliance transcends mere economic cooperation, showcasing the group’s substantial capabilities in science and technology. Panova reiterated Iran’s readiness to expand scientific collaborations with other BRICS member states, highlighting the potential benefits of such partnerships.

This ongoing collaboration between Iran and BRICS countries, especially through the University of Tehran and BIEA, is anticipated to foster significant advancements in scientific research, technology, and education. As these initiatives unfold, they pave the way for enhanced international cooperation and knowledge exchange, ultimately contributing to the global scientific community.

Society

Unlocking Success: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Twitter SMM Panels for Boosting Engagement!

January 21, 2025January 23, 2025

As social media platforms like Twitter (X) become essential for branding and marketing, utilizing a Twitter SMM panel can enhance visibility and engagement. These panels automate growth by increasing followers and boosting interactions such as likes and retweets. Key benefits include accelerated and targeted growth, time efficiency, and enhanced engagement. When choosing a panel, consider factors such as real followers, fast delivery, affordable pricing, customer support, and security. As of 2025, NicePanel is highlighted for its authentic growth, rapid results, and excellent support, making it a top choice for users seeking to enhance their Twitter performance.

Society

Breakthrough Discovery: Iranian Researcher Unveils New Species of Praying Mantis!

February 28, 2025February 28, 2025

Mahmood Kolnegari, an environmental conservationist, has discovered a new species of praying mantis named Sinaiella azadi sp. Nov. in Shazand, Iran. This finding enriches the region’s biodiversity, which includes nine families and over 40 mantis species. Recent surveys have deepened knowledge of Iran’s mantis diversity, particularly the cryptic Toxoderidae family. The discovery was made using a preserved collection in Armenia and published in Zootaxa on February 27, 2023. Kolnegari, pursuing a PhD in Spain, is a prominent conservation advocate in Iran, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and protection of the country’s diverse ecosystems and species.

Society

Iran Sees 2% Surge in Blood Donations Over 11 Months: A Heartfelt Response

March 7, 2025March 7, 2025

Blood donation rates in Iran have risen by two percent since March 20, 2024, with 2,186,260 units donated this year, according to Bashir Haji-Beigi, spokesperson for the Blood Transfusion Organization. Notable increases occurred in Kohgiluyeh-Boyerahmad (over 23%), Sistan-Baluchestan (nearly 14%), and Alborz (around 9%). Tehran contributed about 17% of total donations, with 360,655 units in the past month. Despite this growth, women represent less than 5% of donors, highlighting a need for outreach. The World Health Organization praised Iran’s progress in blood management, emphasizing the importance of inclusive health initiatives.

Politics

Araqchi Emphasizes Capitalizing on Opportunities to Strengthen Iran-Uruguay Relations

March 1, 2025March 1, 2025

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi congratulated Mario Lubetkin on his appointment as Uruguay’s new Foreign Minister, signaling an opportunity to strengthen bilateral ties. In a message written in Spanish, Araqchi highlighted the 120-year historical relationship between Iran and Uruguay and emphasized the potential for collaboration across various sectors. He expressed optimism that Lubetkin’s appointment could open a new chapter in diplomatic relations, focusing on mutual benefits and leveraging existing opportunities. This diplomatic engagement reflects a broader strategy to enhance international relationships and foster cooperation between the two nations.

Politics

Iran Awaits Ideal Circumstances for Authentic Negotiations, Says Strategic Council Leader

February 26, 2025February 26, 2025

Kamal Kharrazi, head of Iran’s Strategic Council of Foreign Relations, stated that Iran is open to “true negotiations” with the West but is waiting for conditions that ensure mutual respect and equality. He emphasized that negotiations cannot occur under pressure or tyranny, criticizing U.S. tactics as “totalitarianism.” Kharrazi noted that current conditions are not conducive for dialogue, and the U.S. must first demonstrate a commitment to equal negotiations. Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the possibility of direct talks with the U.S. while President Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign continues, reaffirming that Iran will not negotiate under sanctions.

Society

Urgent Alert: Researchers Highlight Critical Threat of Mangrove Loss in the Persian Gulf

April 11, 2025April 11, 2025

Recent research from the National Institute of Oceanography highlights the severe threats facing mangrove ecosystems in the northern Persian Gulf, particularly in Dayyer City, Iran. These vital ecosystems, mainly composed of Avicenna marina, provide essential benefits such as habitat creation, soil stabilization, carbon sequestration, and flood mitigation. However, satellite imagery reveals significant degradation, with mangrove coverage decreasing from 3.2 hectares in 2015 to 1.7 hectares by 2022, primarily due to construction disrupting freshwater flow. The study calls for urgent conservation strategies to combat anthropogenic pressures and climate change impacts, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring to preserve these crucial environments.