TEHRAN – Iran and Uzbekistan will support the implementation of 10 research projects following a joint call by the Iranian National Science Foundation (INSF) and the Innovation Development Agency under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The call aims to foster international scientific cooperation, improve the quality of research and leverage the technological capabilities of both countries. Therefore, projects focused on developing scientific synergies and networking between universities, institutions and organizations of the two countries will be a top priority, IRNA reported.
The grants amount to 30 billion rials (approximately $24,590) per research project for up to three years. If an Iranian researcher publishes a scientific paper in a journal in the first or second quarter, or co-owns a patent with an Uzbek researcher, the grant will total 40 billion rials (approximately $32,786).
This funding is allocated on a competitive basis to scientific and technical programs and projects in the fields of environment and agriculture. Water saving and irrigation techniques. Gene editing of drought- and salt-tolerant plants. Desertification and dust reduction. Materials science; exploration and processing of rare earth elements. Advanced materials. Mining and Metallurgy.
Tehran and Tashkent discuss strengthening scientific ties
In November, Science Minister Hossein Simay Saraf met with the President of Uzbekistan to explore ways to promote scientific and technological cooperation.
Officials met on the sidelines of the 43rd General Assembly of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which was held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from October 30 to November 13.
According to Mehr News Agency, during the meeting, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev expressed Tashkent’s readiness to develop cultural, scientific and technological cooperation with Iran.
Simai-Sarraf emphasized the importance of promoting academic and scientific ties between the two countries. He also invited Uzbek officials to visit Iran. Both sides emphasized science diplomacy and strengthening bilateral relations.
On July 16, the National Science Foundation hosted a scientific seminar entitled “Iran-Uzbekistan: Science, Innovation.”
The event was held virtually, with the aim of promoting research exchanges and scientific cooperation between the two countries, IRNA reported.
It focused on sharing collaborative research capabilities, identifying potential opportunities for joint projects and paving the way for launching similar schemes in the future.
The seminar brought together researchers, university professors, and representatives of scientific institutions from both countries to share expertise and develop a roadmap for sustained and long-term cooperation in research, technology, and innovation.
Topics covered in this seminar include agriculture, biotechnology and veterinary medicine, engineering, irrigation and industrial innovation, medicine and healthcare, environment, forests and natural resources, culture, language and the arts, energy and green technology, digital transformation and information technology, and more.
MT/MG