Official Statement from the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology Clarifying New Strategic Decisions Following the Key Directive of the Supreme Leader

Following the Emphasis of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution on the Necessity of Scientific Acceleration, the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology Issues a Statement

The Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology hereby informs the honorable people of Iran that the academic community considers itself indebted to this noble nation and its proud history. Therefore, in the aftermath of the 12-day imposed war, with firm determination and comprehensive planning, the ministry will devote all its efforts to enhancing the security and quality of life of the people, improving the quality of education and social justice, transforming and revising the admission processes for students and faculty, and increasing Iran’s national capability and strength. The ministry also announces the commencement of implementing new strategic policies for the scientific leap of the country.

According to the Public Relations Office of the Ministry of Science, the full text of the statement is as follows:

In today’s turbulent world, scientific power is one of the main pillars of national authority and social welfare. Pursuant to the directives of the Supreme Leader, the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, with a deep understanding of the necessity for a fundamental transformation in the higher education system, has taken significant steps toward implementing a new strategic policy to pave the way for Iran’s scientific leap.

The Islamic Republic of Iran stands at the threshold of a new era, in which universities and research centers must play a central role in addressing national challenges, producing strategic technologies, strengthening national solidarity and cohesion, and elevating Iran’s position on the global stage. In this path, the Ministry of Science accepts its historical responsibility and has developed and is implementing a new policy package.

Given the structural challenges, performance gaps, and weak connection between universities and society, the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology has initiated comprehensive and integrated policymaking aimed at improving educational and research quality and establishing the infrastructure for transformation in the country’s higher education system. We must believe that in today’s world, science shapes the future of our welfare and security. Without evidence-based policies, we will walk in darkness. The fate of future generations of Iranians depends on the policies we adopt today regarding the institution of science.

The indispensable role of Iranian universities in “strengthening national identity and cohesion” and achieving a “scientific and technological leap” to enhance the security and quality of life of the honorable people of Iran requires profound revisions in university governance and the scientific policy evaluation system. With reliance on the wise support of the Supreme Leader, leveraging domestic and global experiences, and adopting a transparent, accountable, and forward-looking approach, the Ministry of Science will commence the reform and renewal of the higher education system.

The institution of science in Iran requires the following revisions:

• “Quality of education and research” must be at the core of reforms and transformations within the scientific institution.

• No transformation is possible without “consensus” and “active participation” of the academic community, including faculty, students, and staff.

• Solving the challenges in science and technology requires “cross-sector political will,” and all branches of government and authority must support the institution of science.

• Given global and domestic changes, reforming “human resource management” in universities is essential to retain and attract scientific elites, support creative and innovative youth, replace qualitative criteria such as social impact and innovation, and design competitive incentive systems to support key contributors and accelerators of science and technology.

• Student and faculty recruitment systems must be revised to enhance social justice and based on the participation of the core 90-million population, creating widespread encouragement and a sense of collective belonging, in coordination with the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council.

• Reviewing and revising the role of the Ministry of Science in scientific governance regarding policy-making and overall leadership of the science institution.

• To realize beneficial science and fulfill the social responsibility of universities, applied research addressing national issues will receive special support.

• Strategic attention to “scientific authority” as a key part of national scientific policies.

• Government and parliamentary support for developing research and technology infrastructures, such as equipping laboratories, expanding technology parks, and accessing global scientific resources, is essential.

• The Iranian academic and researcher community abroad is a valuable national asset, and the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology will provide diverse opportunities for scientific engagement with these Iranian assets.

• Scientific diplomacy and interactions, especially with friendly countries, the region, and emerging global powers, will receive special support.

• To achieve the country’s strategic goals in science and technology, the implementation of untapped legal capacities to financially support mega-projects advancing science and technology, a leap in digital and data-driven infrastructures, and preserving the dignity of scientific elites are necessary.

In conclusion, the honorable people of Iran are informed that the academic community considers itself indebted to this noble nation and its proud history. Therefore, in the aftermath of the 12-day imposed war, with firm determination and comprehensive planning, and in adherence to the country’s overarching policies, it will devote all its efforts to enhancing the security and quality of life of the people and increasing Iran’s national strength and capabilities.