Science and technology in Iran

[QWECXZ]

In the next posts I'm going to introduce some of the Iranian foundations, Governmental organizations and NGO's that aim at improving science in Iran.
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Iran National Science Foundation:

As a consequence of fast development in science and technology and the role of knowledge-based economy in global changes, it is predicted that the chief rulers of the world in future would be those nations and governments which have had the greatest contribution in planning supporting and financing science, technology and researches. With the vast horizon of the supreme leader of The Islamic Republic of Iran about science and research, as a result of the request of a group of scholars and thinkers of university and Hozeh (religious academies) on Oct. 7th, 2003, he (the supreme leader) ordered the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution to prepare the grounds for backing production of scientific software, and also to institutionalize scientific space of the country.

Thereby, by proposition of the Council of Scientific Researches of Iran, and in order to fulfill the 4th paragraph of the 3rd article of the Constitution, and according to the sixth paragraph of the act about "The position, Objectives, and Responsibilities of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution", the council ratified the charter for Iran National Science Foundation, in its five hundred and twenty second session on 18 Feb 2003. This foundation was established with the purpose of supplying researchers' welfare, organizing generation of science and technology, preparing executive grounds in the country for directing research and technological proceeds towards people, and permanent development of the country.

Iran National Science Foundation is a legally independent governmental institute, which is administered by a board of trustees. It is located in presidential institute. The assets of this foundation are supplied via governmental aids, bank facilities, investments of its own surplus assets, receiving financially and non-financially from true or legal persons. President of the foundation has the highest position in INSF, and the board’s approval and under the order of the chairman of the board of trustees he will preside over the foundation for a four year period of time. The current president of the foundation is Dr. Mohammad Farhadi.

In Iran, the foundation supports those who have been described in accordance with the countries needs and priorities. The source for defining research priorities is the book about research priorities which is published by the national Scientific Research Council.

their homepage: http://www.insf.org/IndexEn.php

[QWECXZ]

Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (Institute for studies in theoretical physics and mathematics):


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The Institute for Studies in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics (IPM) was founded in 1989 under the auspices of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (formerly the Ministry of Science and Higher Education). Initially a Director and, upon his recommendation, a six-member Scientific Council (three mathematicians and three physicists) were appointed by the Minister in 1989. The appointments were based on the IPM Constitution approved by the Ministry. Initially, IPM consisted of two departments, namely the Department of Mathematics, and the Department of Theoretical Physics. These departments were headed by professors from the respective fields from the established universities based in Tehran. The Council, however, was composed of members from universities and higher education institutions nation-wide.


After an initial period of planning, consultation and preparations lasting over two years, the first proper research activities were initiated. During those two years, several decisions of major importance were adopted. These were:

Extension of the physical facilities (buildings, library etc).

Link up to the EARN (European Association of Research Networks) system providing international electronic mail service. IPM was later linked up to the international network and is now the Internet provider to almost all the universities and higher education institutions across the country and serves as the main academic node.

Forming six different research groups, composed of three in mathematical sciences and three in theoretical physics. The research activities of these groups focused on Mathematical Logic and Theoretical Computer Science, Dynamical Systems, Combinatorics and Computing, Field Theory, Foundational Physics and Particle Physics.

These research groups were headed by prominent members of the academic community.


In the initial phase, research workshops, conferences and scientific meetings were launched,

visiting collaborative programs were started, and research grants and scholarships were offered. These activities have continued to date. Among the visitors in the early years, IPM was host to several outstanding international scientists from Europe, USA and in particular from the former Soviet Union.


In 1995, it was felt necessary by the Scientific Council that the existing structure of IPM should be extended into a research establishment, covering all areas of fundamental research. Consequently, a new line of research, i.e. Cognitive Sciences (later changed to the School of Cognitive Sciences in 2003) was initiated and at the same time the activities of the existing departments were broadened and intensified. The areas of research have since been more diversified to include Computer Science and Nano-Science (2002).

Currently IPM consists of eight schools: Mathematics, Physics, Cognitive Sciences, Computer Science, Nano-Science, Analytic Philosophy, Astronomy, and Particles and Asselerators.


In addition to research activities, IPM has also launched several educational PhD programs in Mathematical Logic, Plasma Physics, Cognitive Sciences, Nano-Science, and Analytic Philosophy. These programs were of a promotional nature, i.e. they were implemented in Iran for the first time. The promotions of such programs were envisaged in the Constitution of IPM.



The organizational chart of IPM is based on its Constitution and includes a Director who is proposed by the Scientific Council of IPM and approved by the Minister of Science, Research and Technology, and a Scientific Council (Research Council). Members of the research council are appointed by the Board of Trustees of IPM.

The academic framework of IPM consists of IPM-based and non-IPM-based research activities.

The IPM-based research consists of both part-time and full-time modes.

The part-time mode includes:

Research Groups (RG), each headed by a university academic whose rank is at least that of an associate professor. Each group is composed of a university academic with a PhD (such as a post-doctoral fellow) and at least two PhD students.

Senior Associate Researcher (SAR), a university academic with a PhD with at most two PhD students.

Junior Associate Researcher (JAR), a university academic with a PhD.


The activities of all the above part-time categories cover an initial period of three years, extendable to six.


The full-time mode includes:

Post-Doctoral Research Fellows (PDRF), equivalent to the rank of assistant professors.

Senior Post-Doctoral Research Fellows (SPDRF), equivalent to the rank of associate professors.

Full Professors


The non-IPM-based research consists of grants provided to academics normally resident in universities or affiliated centers and who carry out their research at their own institutions. The main IPM library is well-stocked with well over 21371 volumes, and it subscribes to more than 587 scientific journals and periodicals.

Due to the importance of interface between computing science and traditional sciences, IPM has embarked on the formation of two computational laboratories in the Schools of Physics and Mathematics. State-of-the art hardware and software facilities have been installed in these laboratories. The aim of these laboratories is to conduct research in the fields of numerical modeling and computer-based simulation, in physical and mathematical sciences, as the third methodology of research. IPM has been the standard bearer in this field in Iran and hopes that in the near future a national computational laboratory can be established through the merger of the existing laboratories.

In 1992, a Publication Unit was set up at IPM to produce a quarterly news letter (AKHBAR ), technical reports, preprints, lecture notes and proceedings of conferences and workshops. In the year 2000, the Unit was extended into the Information Centre of IPM to continue to provide all the publication services of IPM, and also act as the Webmaster for its Internet homepage (http://www.ipm.ac.ir).


IPM is housed in three close-by buildings (within 20 mins walking distance of each) in the northeastern corner of Tehran at the foot of the magnificent Alborz Mountains at an elevation of 1800 meters from the sea level. The Head Office, the School of Mathematics, the School of Cognitive Sciences, School of Computer Science, School of Analytic Philosophy and the Administration Offices of IPM are located in the Niavaran Building, adjacent to the former Niavaran Imperial Palace. This building was part of the former royal offices.

The Ekhtiyarieh Building houses the Library and the Computer Network Centre. The School of Physics, the School of Nano-Science, School of Astronomy, School of Particles and Asselerators and the IPM Guest House are located in Farmanieh Building. All these areas are among the historical regions of the capital city.

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Tel: (9821) 22287014

Fax: (9821) 22828755

e-mail: ipmic@ipm.ir

URL: http://www.ipm.ac.ir

[QWECXZ]

Center for International Scientific Studies and Collaboration (CISSC)


The Center for International Scientific Studies and Collaboration (CISSC) attempts to enhance research collaborations between Iranian researchers and scholars around the world. Initially aimed at research in basic sciences, the center was established as the International Scientific Meetings Office (ISMO) following an agreement between Abdus-Salam International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) and the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran in April 1999. Within the new framework of the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, since 2001 the center has been continuing its activities under the current name and organization. Determining research requirements of the country, scientific development of national research centers, and keeping abreast with the most recent research findings through regional/international courses, workshops, and conferences, are among the goals pursued by CISSC.

Major CISSC Programs

Invited Collaborative Research Program (ICRP)
Jundi Shapour Program
Supports
Iran Chapter of the Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWASIC)
Involvement in the Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME)
Cooperation with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
Involvement in Learning Societies Conference (LSC)
Other Activities

website: http://www.cissc.ir/en/about/cissc.html

[QWECXZ]

CISSC is the representative of Iran in European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), according to an agreement between CERN and the Iranian government to cooperate in Compact Muon Solonoid (CMS) project of CERN. A Memorandum of Understanding on scientific collaboration was signed in May 2000 between the Iranian Minister of Science, Research, and Technology and Director General of CERN. This Memorandum expresses common interest in expanding collaborations in particle physics theory. CISSC was selected as the representative of the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology for elucidating the agreement.

Agreement for Iranian Participation in CMS

A senior Iranian physicist will work at CERN for at least 6 months a year.

At any given time three graduate students will be working on their Ph.D. projects at CERN on CMS under the supervision of the Iranian senior physicist.

Living expenses of the senior physicist and the students during their stay at CERN will be provided by CERN from the Iranian contribution to CERN.

Total Iranian financial contribution during the 5 years of the agreement will consist of two parts: a) total hard currency of $KUS300 to be spent mainly on the living expenses of the Iranian team at CERN. b) A total in kind contribution equivalent to about $KUS400 which includes: raw materials, electronic boards built in Iran with the specification provided by the CMS, and other possible contributions.

http://www.cissc.ir/en/collaboration...ranincern.html

[ardeshir8]

Guys, what do you think?

Could we come soon close to the ones like Germany and Japan? That would be awesome!

[Nimaa]

Originally Posted by ardeshir8

Guys, what do you think?

Could we come soon close to the ones like Germany and Japan? That would be awesome!

of course we can!
Those two countries had MASSIVE support from the US after the war but they also had the will.

We've gone from producing less than a 1000 papers, a little more than a decade ago to more than 35 000 today (2011 figures). We have the will and motivation to do it. Plus, literacy among the <30 age group is virtually 100 percent. We're only being dragged down by the isolation. With or without this regime we will become one of the greatest countries on earth because our true culture demands greatness from us. The muslims can take away everything from us, but they can't take away our drive for greatness.

/rant

[ardeshir8]

@Nima

In Fact, I think our 78 Million people in Iran are pushing these Mollahs to accept technology and science. This is why we are making great progress. The Mollahs have understand this and are now investing heavily in the fields of science and technology.

[QWECXZ]

Originally Posted by Nimaa

of course we can!
Those two countries had MASSIVE support from the US after the war but they also had the will.

We've gone from producing less than a 1000 papers, a little more than a decade ago to more than 35 000 today (2011 figures). We have the will and motivation to do it. Plus, literacy among the <30 age group is virtually 100 percent. We're only being dragged down by the isolation. With or without this regime we will become one of the greatest countries on earth because our true culture demands greatness from us. The muslims can take away everything from us, but they can't take away our drive for greatness.

/rant

the Germans had no support from the USA but it was vice-versa. after the end of the World War II, there was a covert war between the USA and the USSR to abduct or employ German scientists. German scientists were the bests in the world and their technology was at least a decade superior to the Americans and the Russians in many fields like Aerodynamics, Nuclear physics, etc.
and the literacy rate for people under 40 is 90%+ but It's not close to 100%. It's rather close to 95%. a little bit less.

Originally Posted by ardeshir8

@Nima

In Fact, I think our 78 Million people in Iran are pushing these Mollahs to accept technology and science. This is why we are making great progress. The Mollahs have understand this and are now investing heavily in the fields of science and technology.

These Mullahs have found themselves so alone and isolated. because of that, they are investing in science to guarantee their power. unfortunately our R&D Budget is still not as high as it should be but still even with that low R&D Budget our scientists are very productive.

and if you ask me, there is still a lot that we need to do to be in the same level with countries like Germany, Japan, France, etc. We should focus on taking countries like Russia, Brazil and India rather than those countries because the difference between us and those countries is still significant.

[ardeshir8]

Yes, it will take a long time to come close to Germany, UK, Japan, and France.

I think regarding to nanotechnology, laser technology, stem cell research, cloning, aerospace, nuclear technology, bio technology, robotech and medical achievements, we are already in the top 10. am I correct?

[ardeshir8]

also, we are 1 one of only 10-15 countries that produces car 100 % inside the country and we also are building supercomputers. and do not forget, we build tanks, jets, missiles, ships etc. all ourselves. I expect more to follow.

[QWECXZ]

Originally Posted by ardeshir8

Yes, it will take a long time to come close to Germany, UK, Japan, and France.

I think regarding to nanotechnology, laser technology, stem cell research, cloning, aerospace, nuclear technology, bio technology, robotech and medical achievements, we are already in the top 10. am I correct?

Not in the Aero part but in space technology we're in the Top 10. In Aero-related industries we're not so advanced to be in the Top 10. many countries like Brazil, India, Pakistan, South Korea, etc are ahead of us.

Originally Posted by ardeshir8

also, we are 1 one of only 10-15 countries that produces car 100 % inside the country and we also are building supercomputers. and do not forget, we build tanks, jets, missiles, ships etc. all ourselves. I expect more to follow.

Don't take our jet fighters and tanks into account. you can claim we produce jet fighters only when you produce the jet engine. the Iranian built jet fighters use Russian RD engines and their aerodynamic structure too isn't anything creative or new. Iranian jet fighters suck. lol. and Iran's Zulfiqar 3 really disappointed me, I expected something much better but it has really nothing to say in front of the US Abrams or Israeli Merkava or German Leopard etc.
but we got very advanced missiles. and unlike what they say the new versions have nothing in common with North Korean technology.

[Nimaa]

Originally Posted by QWECXZ

Not in the Aero part but in space technology we're in the Top 10. In Aero-related industries we're not so advanced to be in the Top 10. many countries like Brazil, India, Pakistan, South Korea, etc are ahead of us.



Don't take our jet fighters and tanks into account. you can claim we produce jet fighters only when you produce the jet engine. the Iranian built jet fighters use Russian RD engines and their aerodynamic structure too isn't anything creative or new. Iranian jet fighters suck. lol. and Iran's Zulfiqar 3 really disappointed me, I expected something much better but it has really nothing to say in front of the US Abrams or Israeli Merkava or German Leopard etc.
but we got very advanced missiles. and unlike what they say the new versions have nothing in common with North Korean technology.

I was reading somewhere that we're gonna have a jet engine by 2015. Do you know anything about that?

[QWECXZ]

Nope. If I were you I wouldn't believe it. Iran claims that it produces small jet engines for its UAVs, but for jet fighters that should lift tons they can't produce anything good. Iran is weak in metallurgy, That's our main problem I think.

[FreddyB]

in addition of what QWECXZ said: flying machines are different from normal ground machines.flying machines have to be light and in the same time strong and should be able to resist heat(becuz of their high-speed).this is where Super Alloy's technology is used which is a part of Metallurgical engineering.Iran is "ok" in normal Alloys but super alloys arent so improved in Iran
besides lack of metallurgical tech.our main lack is the lack of Ceramics tech.
Jet engines is similar to rockets.the more the fire comes out,the faster the jet goes.the more the fire comes out,the more hotter the parts get that r in contact with the engine's fire.NO metal can resist that heat.this is where they use refractory materials(mavadde dirgodaz) which are Ceramics.

[FreddyB]

ofc i have to mention that in some cases,iran is good in metallurgy.for eg did u know that Iran's Tractor making company's Casting part(Tabriz) makes some car parts for BMW (and Benz if I'm right).making parts for such great car companies is not a joke.

[SoroushPersepolisi]

^ u are correct, iran also produces mercedes e class (parts and whole car) as well as many mercedes trucks

[FreddyB]

Originally Posted by SoroushPersepolisi

^ u are correct, iran also produces mercedes e class (parts and whole car) as well as many mercedes trucks

ur sure about the whole car?maybe only montage but i dont think it makes the whole car

[SoroushPersepolisi]

well making someone elses car= montage

[FreddyB]

not always but i got what u meant
making means making.montage is montage
Tractor making's casting part "makes" some parts and sends them to Germany for the car companies

[SoroushPersepolisi]

yea thats diff, thats iran to germany

manzure man az alman be iran bud, hamechiz mishe hamun montage age az birun biad, amma male tabriz bumiye