PhD Candidate from University of Tehran Wins 2025 BRICS–SCO Award for Excellence in Research

Hosna Salimi, a PhD candidate in World Studies at the University of Tehran and a polyglot fluent in ten living languages, has been named “Young Researcher of the Year” in the prestigious international competition held by the BRICS nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. She earned this distinction for her outstanding contributions to Indian and Japanese studies. The award stands as a testament to the intellectual and cultural potential of Iran’s emerging generation on the global stage.

A PhD student in Indian Studies at the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran, Hosna Salimi was recognized as the best young researcher of 2025 among over 400 participants from various countries, receiving the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organization Young Leaders Award. She holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Rome, Italy, and after returning to Iran, she pursued studies on Japan and later India at the University of Tehran, where she now specializes in area studies.
Fluent in French, English, Italian, Russian, German, Turkish, Japanese, and Hindi, she believes that learning multiple languages is the key to success in research and gaining a deeper understanding of cultures. She emphasizes that despite the advances in AI-driven translation, personal comprehension and individual effort are crucial for truly understanding the material.

This promising young scholar, who began her academic journey at Farzanegan High School in Tehran, reflects: “A person who is strong from within can achieve their goals, no matter where in the world they are.” Her role model is Maryam Mirzakhani ,the first woman to receive the prestigious Fields Medal, who was also an alumna of the same high school. Inspired by Mirzakhani’s legacy, Hosna Salimi aspires to contribute meaningfully to the world of knowledge through perseverance and dedication.
The BRICS Young Researcher of the Year Award is presented across four distinct categories. Salimi was honored as the leading researcher in the field of Cultural Studies and Contemporary Literature. Her achievement stands as a powerful testament to the intellectual and cultural strength of Iran’s youth on the global stage and signals a promising future for intercultural and regional research.