Rapid Leap in Iran’s Science and Technology: From Global Leadership to Turning Knowledge into Wealth

The head of Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences stated that Iran has experienced an unprecedented acceleration in scientific growth, noting that the country ranks first globally in terms of the speed of increase in scientific output—a trend that, if aligned with applied research, can lead to wealth creation and enhanced national power.

To report Mehr News، Hassan Abolghasemi President of Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, speaking at the 15th Baqer al-Olum Research and Technology Festival held at the university, reviewed the current state of research and technology in the country. He emphasized that internationally recognized evaluations indicate Iran has achieved the world’s fastest growth rate in scientific production in recent years. While this achievement is a source of pride, it also raises a fundamental question: to what extent has this scientific output translated into economic value and wealth creation?

He explained that a portion of these scientific activities has directly contributed to wealth generation, leading to the emergence and growth of major technology-driven companies. Many of these companies initially lacked adequate infrastructure, but through targeted support and strategic planning, they evolved into key players in the technology sector and now play a significant role in the knowledge-based economy.

Referring to Iran’s competitive advantages in biotechnology, Abolghasemi stated that the abundance of young and highly skilled human capital at various stages has provided the foundation for rapid and sustainable technological development. This human resource capacity has contributed to strengthening critical sectors such as defense industries and national security, ultimately enhancing national independence and reducing reliance on external sources.

Addressing achievements in the healthcare sector, he noted that a substantial share of the country’s required pharmaceuticals and medical equipment is now produced domestically. Mission-oriented universities, with a focus on addressing national priorities, have played an active role—particularly in training specialized human resources and supporting the healthcare system. During the COVID‑19 pandemic, despite the military affiliation of some medical centers, more than 50 percent of hospital capacity was allocated to public care, while research activities continued uninterrupted.

Abolghasemi highlighted the development of the Noora vaccine as one of the most prominent examples of The vaccine was introduced as one of the leading domestically produced vaccines and not only contributed to public health but also rescued a technology firm on the verge of bankruptcy. Revenue generated from the project covered industrial research costs, foreign currency needs, and laboratory upgrades, clearly demonstrating that transforming knowledge into wealth is practically achievable.

He further stressed the growing importance of scientific diplomacy, noting that science has become increasingly intertwined with political and international developments. Restrictions on academic publishing, retraction of scientific articles, and the instrumentalization of science as a lever of power reflect the intense global competition in this domain. In this context, artificial intelligence, as a future-defining technology, holds strategic importance, and neglecting it could result in technological constraints and sanctions. artificial intelligence as a future-defining technology, holds strategic importance, and neglecting it could result in technological constraints and sanctions.

Turning to the humanitarian responsibilities of the scientific community, Abolghasemi stated that addressing the consequences of humanitarian crises has also been prioritized. In the treatment of war casualties, more than 5,000 affected individuals—including women, children, and patients—were considered, with approximately 500 patients receiving specialized medical services. The next step, he explained, involves systematically documenting and publishing these efforts in scientific forums to counter misleading narratives and ensure the accurate recording of real achievements.

In conclusion, Abolghasemi pointed to the unveiling of specialized atlases and the scientific response to biased publications as part of a proactive approach. He noted that previous experiences in countering misinformation regarding COVID‑19 management demonstrated that responsible and active engagement by the scientific community can prevent distortion of facts. Overall, he emphasized that focusing on applied research, developing strategic technologies, and strengthening scientific diplomacy can simultaneously advance scientific production, wealth creation, and national authority.