The Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Prof Hossein Simaee-Sarraaf, has visited Zanjan province to attend a ceremony honouring educational excellence at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS). During the visit, he met with faculty and students to discuss the institution’s role, the state of basic sciences, and the necessity of reforming the nation’s higher education system.

The event followed the inauguration of the Department of Biological Sciences and the University’s Central Laboratory, and it was held in the Department of Chemistry’s conference hall with university officials, lecturers, students, and distinguished educators in attendance.

At the beginning of the programme, the IASBS President, Prof Sadollah Nasiri Gheydari, welcomed the Minister and the guests. He expressed his gratitude to the families of the university’s benefactors, including Ms Sharifi and the Torkamaan family, and presented a report on the university’s status, scientific capacities, international standing, and the progress of its educational and research development.

Following this, the founder of the IASBS, Professor Sobouti thanked the Minister and his delegation. He elaborated on his views and experiences regarding higher education and the university’s role.

Addressing the importance of structural integrity within the nation’s university system, he stated that the existence of sound, self-regulating mechanisms based on the protection of administrative and scientific health is a fundamental principle. He noted that implementing this approach could prevent administrative and financial damage.

Professor Sobouti also emphasised the necessity of promoting Iran’s scientific standing internationally. He stated that achieving a worthy position for Iranian lecturers and researchers globally requires the expansion of scientific exchanges and international travel, a matter that has faced limitations in recent years compared to the past.

He further commented on the university’s educational philosophy, stating that the institution focuses on admitting average students to help them reach high levels of research and scientific proficiency through the process of education and scientific training.

Then, the Minister of Science, Prof  Simaee discussed the university’s role in the country’s higher education system, describing it as a successful example of an institution with a strong scientific identity, structural cohesion, and high educational quality. He underscored the importance of developing basic sciences as the foundation for modern technologies.

At the end of the programme, the university honoured its outstanding educators. The ceremony included a tribute to Hamidreza Mohammadi-Tanha, a weightlifting medallist, who was presented with a certificate of appreciation.

It is worth noting that this ceremony took place following the inauguration of the Department of Biological Sciences and the Central Laboratory, as part of the Minister of Science’s scheduled visit to Zanjan province.