The President of Shahid Beheshti University attributed the low number of Russian students in Iranian universities to the lack of awareness among Russian youth regarding the capacities and capabilities of Iran’s academic institutions and called for increased information dissemination in this regard.
Dr. Seyed Mahmoud Reza Aghamiri, speaking at the 7th Summit of the Presidents of Top-Tier Universities of Iran and Russia, held at the Negarestan Garden Museum, stated: "This is despite the fact that, according to Western observers—who annually admit a relatively large number of Iranian graduates for work and study—our top universities maintain a high level of excellence in training specialized professionals in medical sciences, engineering, and humanities."
He suggested that more Russian youth should be encouraged to enroll in Iranian universities, either through Iranian government scholarships or by paying relatively low fees compared to the high quality of education provided. One natural outcome of such interactions, he noted, would be the development of economic and trade relations through these very graduates.
Dr. Aghamiri stated that despite their geographical proximity and historical and cultural kinship, Iran and Russia have witnessed expanding political relations in recent years.
Scientific Interactions Between Iran and Russia Should Expand Beyond Basic Sciences and Engineering
The President of Shahid Beheshti University stated: "In the scientific interactions between the two countries, basic sciences and engineering fields have been the focus so far. While emphasizing the importance of these fields, we should not neglect humanities subjects such as cultural studies, management, economics, philosophy, religious sciences, history, education sciences, psychology, art, and other disciplines."
He continued: "Iranian professors, with their vast cultural wealth and outstanding history in combining religious teachings with the humanities, and Russian professors, with their valuable schools of thought and scholars in the humanities, can engage in numerous scientific interactions and produce lasting joint works in these fields."
Dr. Aghamiri said: "In terms of prioritizing fields between Iran and Russia, global scientific trends such as nanotechnology in previous decades and artificial intelligence in the past two years are noteworthy and certainly require special attention. However, it is also crucial to pay attention to the fields and resources of wealth in both Iran and Russia, which are both rich in energy resources, minerals, natural resources, and climatic diversity. There should be research collaboration aimed at sustainable utilization of these resources and their added value."
He emphasized: "Shahid Beheshti University has always been and will continue to be at the service of Iranian universities and research institutions interested in cooperation with Russia."
The President of Shahid Beheshti University also referred to Article 30 of the Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Russian Federation, stating: "The implementation of the provisions of this agreement and memorandum could have a significant impact on expanding scientific relations between the two countries. Any collaboration in the fields of science and technology can also influence other fields and social movements in both Iran and Russia."
It is worth mentioning that the 7th Summit of Presidents of Top-Tier Universities of Iran and Russia was held with the participation of Dr. Hossein Simayi, Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, the Iranian Ambassador to Russia, Saduinchi, President of Lamalosev University, and 15 top Russian university presidents.