On November 1, 2024, the International Scientific Cooperation Center of the Islamic Republic of Iran was officially inaugurated at the Eurasian Interuniversity Campus in Ufa, coinciding with the International University Day of Shahid Beheshti University.
The Eurasian Center represents a major initiative aimed at advancing scientific and technological infrastructure in southern Russia, with its total area projected to reach approximately 37,000 square meters upon completion. This center’s establishment is a significant milestone for the Republic of Bashkortostan and is anticipated to strengthen the expanding scientific and academic collaboration between Russia and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Ufa State University of Science and Technology, a comprehensive institution offering a diverse array of disciplines similar to those at Shahid Beheshti University, ranks among the top five universities in Russia in terms of student enrollment. Founded nearly a century ago as Ufa State University, it currently enrolls close to 50,000 students across various levels of study.
Before the opening ceremony, a meeting was held between Professor Vadim Zakharov, President of Ufa State University of Science and Technology, Professor Behrooz Abtahi, Vice President for International Affairs at Shahid Beheshti University, and several key officials from the host university. Participants included Dr. Filipova, Vice President for International Affairs; Professor Amina Sharafullina, Executive Director of the Bashkortostan UNESCO Committee; Renata Lukmanova, Head of the "Natural Heritage Growth Models" mega-project; Zulfia Sadiqova, Head of the University's Entrepreneurship Center; as well as Deans and Directors of research centers. The discussions centered on mutual areas of collaboration and the progress of ongoing joint initiatives, including the development prospects of the Iran Cooperation Center.
Following the meeting, the center’s official opening ceremony took place, with Margarita Bolichova, Minister of Foreign Economic Relations of Bashkortostan, in attendance.
In his address, the President of Ufa State University stated, "Today marks an important day for the scientific community of our Republic. The Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the Russian Federation's key partners. Iran shares values and traditions similar to ours, and there are long-standing historical ties and agreements between Iran and Bashkortostan across various fields, which our universities are actively advancing." He concluded, "I congratulate you on the opening of the Russian-Iranian center." Ufa University is collaborating with eight Iranian universities, with initial contacts established in 2023. Thanks to the support and financial assistance of the President of Bashkortostan, 46 faculty members from Ufa University have completed internships at Iranian universities. In June 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding for the sustainable development of natural regions was signed with several institutions, including the Geological Sciences Research Institute, Iran's Geological Survey, UNESCO’s Chair on Coastal Natural Hazards, the UNESCO Global Geopark of Qeshm Island, and the National Geopark Network of Iran.
Vadim Zakharov encouraged all those interested in collaborating with the Islamic Republic of Iran and learning about its history, culture, and literature to engage with the newly established center.
Professor Behrooz Abtahi, in his remarks, congratulated everyone involved in this significant achievement, stating, "Ufa University has provided all the necessary resources for establishing the center and advancing joint activities in various scientific fields. Cooperation between universities in Bashkortostan and Iran, along with the opening of this Russian-Iranian center in partnership with one of Iran's largest universities, will contribute to the further development of relations between our two nations."
