The Hub of AI at the University of Tehran

During the Research Desk of the Office of the Vice President for Research at the University of Tehran, Dr. Babak Nadjar Arabi, Professor of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the School of Engineering, shed light on the state of AI at the university. According to him, while several faculties are active in AI research, the main hub resides in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This school alone hosts a group of 18–20 distinguished faculty members, making it the largest AI group among Iranian universities and home to many of the nation’s leading experts. Altogether, approximately 50–60 academics at the University of Tehran are engaged in AI research, of whom nearly 40 are based in other faculties across the university.

From Independent Efforts to Institutionalization

When asked whether these scholars work independently or as a unified body, Dr. Nadjar Arabi emphasized that they operate under the overarching framework of the Vice Presidency for Research, led by Dr. Manouchehr Moradisabzevar.

This collective effort is moving toward institutionalization, potentially evolving into a dedicated AI institute within the university. Importantly, these researchers do not limit themselves to minor tasks; instead, they undertake large-scale projects of national importance and frontier scientific development.

Why the University of Tehran Leads in AI

Dr. Nadjar Arabi explained that the University of Tehran holds a pioneering position in AI in Iran for two key reasons:

1. Historical Legacy – Long before AI became a global phenomenon, the university was home to Professor Caro Lucas Ghoukassian, a visionary scholar who worked on neural networks, fuzzy logic, and evolutionary algorithms. His interdisciplinary approach laid the foundation for what can be called the birth of robotics and AI in Iran.

2. Interdisciplinary Strength – The university’s unique structure brings together faculties of engineering, humanities, medicine, and arts, enabling robust interdisciplinary collaborations that are rare in other institutions.

The Hidden Achievements of AI Research

When asked why the university’s AI achievements are not widely publicized, Dr. Nadjar Arabi identified three main reasons:

1. A longstanding culture of humility and introversion among faculty members.

2. In some cases, publicizing frontier scientific work is not advisable due to its sensitivity.

3. With a smile, he added: “The real shortcoming lies with you—the university media. You don’t step into the hidden rooms of research to bring out the news!”

A Major Breakthrough Underway

Dr. Nadjar Arabi also revealed exciting news: Professor Dr. Majid Nili Ahmad Abadi from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering is currently leading a groundbreaking AI project that, once completed, will significantly benefit the public—especially communities in underprivileged regions.

Leadership Matters

He praised the fact that the Vice President for Research at the University of Tehran is himself an AI expert. This unique circumstance ensures that AI perspectives are embedded at the highest levels of university governance, amplifying their impact across all academic and research domains.

Challenges in Governance and Interdisciplinary Work

Despite these strengths, Dr. Nadjar Arabi also voiced two critiques regarding university governance in AI:

1. Data-Driven Development – AI thrives on data, yet universities—including leading ones worldwide—are still structured in outdated ways that limit the flow of internal data from students and faculty to researchers. This hampers progress.

2. Barriers to Interdisciplinary Projects – AI’s true power emerges when applied in fields such as economics, crisis management, and defense. However, the lack of supportive regulatory frameworks in Iran prevents faculty and students from easily launching interdisciplinary projects. In contrast, global universities actively establish cross-faculty programs and regulatory “umbrellas” that enable such projects to flourish.

A Call to Embrace AI

Finally, Dr. Nadjar Arabi urged both citizens and the media to promote the responsible use of AI tools across society. Addressing common fears that AI may cause “mental laziness,” he drew an analogy: “When calculators first appeared, people using abacuses voiced the same concern. But calculators empowered us to solve more complex problems faster. AI will do the same.”

He also warned of a far greater danger: “If we fail to adopt and lead in AI, we risk becoming subservient to nations