The Iran-Iraq Science and Technology Week was held from January 18 to 21, 2025 (corresponding to January 17 to 19, 1403), with the presence of the Minister of Science, Research, and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, deputy ministers of Iran’s Ministry of Science, the Iraqi Minister of Higher Education, officials from Iraq’s Ministry of Higher Education, and several presidents of selected universities from both countries in Iraq.
During this event, the President of Shiraz University of Technology signed 10 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with prominent Iraqi universities, including Baghdad University, the University of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, Basra Technical University, Hilla Technical University (located in Babil Province), and others.
Dr. Mohammad Javad Dehghani, President of Shiraz University of Technology, traveled to Iraq to participate in this significant event hosted by Iraq’s Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in Karbala. This event provided a unique opportunity to strengthen scientific and research ties between the two countries.
The Iran-Iraq Science and Technology Week
The Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education hosted more than 60 leading universities from Iran and Iraq at this event. Presidents of science and technology parks, as well as representatives from research centers of the Islamic Republic of Iran, also attended. This highlights the strong commitment of both countries to expand scientific cooperation and enhance research infrastructure.
The Iran-Iraq Science and Technology Week served as a platform for knowledge exchange, showcasing cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements, and fostering new collaborations in various specialized fields. This event has the potential to become a model for regional cooperation in science and technology, offering unparalleled opportunities to improve academic relations, develop joint technologies, and expand university infrastructures.
Achievements of Shiraz University of Technology
Dr. Mohammad Javad Dehghani, President of Shiraz University of Technology, highlighted the university’s status as one of Iran’s leading institutions. He emphasized that in the 2024 Times Higher Education Young University Rankings, Shiraz University of Technology ranked 85th globally among 627 young universities (under 50 years old) and secured first place in Iran. He also showcased the university’s capabilities and achievements during the event.
Through discussions and negotiations, Shiraz University of Technology successfully signed 10 MOUs for scientific, technological, and innovative cooperation with Iraqi public and private universities. These agreements include initiatives such as student and faculty exchange programs, joint degree programs, and collaborative scientific and research projects.
Some of the universities involved in the MOUs include Baghdad University—the largest and most prestigious university in Iraq and the 10th best university in the Arab world, with over 70,000 students—the National University of Science and Technology, Northern Technical University, the University of Information and Communication Technology, Basra Technical University, Al-Nahrain University, Ninevah University, Fallujah University, and Hilla University.
Emphasis on Implementing the MOUs
At the event, Dr. Saeed Habiba, Deputy Minister and Head of the Student Affairs Organization, emphasized that universities must take serious steps toward implementing the MOUs. Otherwise, Iranian universities risk being excluded from Iraq’s list of accredited institutions.
