Copy in clipboard...
Iranian academic diaspora builds new research links in Europe
Europe's annual conference of Persian-speaking students brought together Iranian scholars, researchers and academics in Barcelona, Spain, to strengthen academic cooperation, showcase Iran's research achievements and deepen university diplomacy, Iran's Student Affairs Organization said on Thursday.
The event, attended by Iran's scientific counselor in Europe, Mohammad Mohammadi Aghdam, drew about 40 Iranian students and researchers from across Europe to exchange scientific expertise and expand professional networks. With a history spanning four decades, the conference has become one of the largest annual gatherings of Iranian academics on the continent.
Addressing the conference, Mohammadi Aghdam outlined support programs available to Iranian students abroad and urged the country's academic elite to play a more active role in presenting what he called a "truthful and accurate narrative" of Iran's scientific progress to the international community.
"Scientists and researchers can serve as effective ambassadors of Iran's scientific achievements," he said, emphasizing the importance of academic diplomacy in fostering international engagement.
Specialized panels examined challenges and opportunities facing Iran, including urban management, groundwater resources and constitutional law. One of the conference's featured sessions explored the legal dimensions of Iran's position in the Strait of Hormuz, presented by an Iranian legal scholar based in France, followed by an extensive question-and-answer session.
The conference also served as a platform to broaden international academic partnerships.
On the sidelines, the Iranian delegation met Prof. Francesc Pérez-Murano at the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM), part of Spain's National Research Council (CSIC), where the two sides discussed student exchanges, research funding and joint scientific projects. The Spanish side praised the scientific capabilities of Iranian students and welcomed greater research engagement.