How old is the first social research and planning institute in the country?
Kosar Shakori from the Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology News Desk of the University of Tehran:
The head of the Institute of Social Studies and Research at the University of Tehran says that over the past six decades, this institute has been recognized as the first social research center and one of the main pillars of social research and planning in the country. Focusing on urbanization, migration, rural development, and nomadic communities, it has conducted applied research and played a fundamental role in shaping national policies.
Dr. Hossein Imani, a faculty member at the University of Tehran, referring to the history of the Institute of Social Studies and Research, stated:
"This institute has had a tumultuous history, established with the initiative of several University of Tehran professors, government support, and UNESCO cooperation in the Faculty of Literature and Humanities at the University of Tehran."
Faculty members and researchers of the Institute in the Negarestan building (the current location of the University of Tehran Museum) most likely during Nowruz 1351 (March 1972).
Among the individuals present in the photo are: Dr. Gholamhossein Sedighi, Dr. Nader Afshar Naderi, Dr. Jamshid Behnam, Dr. Mehdi Amani, and Dr. Mahmoud Rouholamini.
In explaining the institute's history, he highlighted the significant role of its main founders and said: Dr. Gholamhossein Sadighi, the originator of the term "sociology," Dr. Ali Akbar Siasi, the head of the Faculty of Literature, and Dr. Ehsan Naraghi were among the founders in 1958. From the very beginning, it was established for teaching social sciences at the master's and associate degree levels, training government and private sector employees, and conducting applied research for governmental organizations.
Dr. Imani, referring to the seminars held at this institute, said: In 1959, the institute held its first seminar on the issue of social changes in Iran. In 1962, by holding a six-day seminar on Tehran's social problems, it initiated academic attention to urban issues. The institute also actively participated in various research areas by conducting comprehensive studies on rural communities and agricultural issues, and pioneering research on nomadic communities under the leadership of Dr. Nader Afshar Naderi. This research not only led to valuable scientific achievements but also directly influenced the formulation of urban planning and development policies and the decentralization of resources between Tehran and other regions.
Right photo: The first seminar on examining the social issues of Tehran in 1341 (1962). Among those present in the picture are: Dr. Naraqi, Director of the Institute, and Dr. Siasi, Dean of the Faculty of Literature at the University of Tehran.
Left photo: Dr. Gholamhossein Sedighi, the first head of the Institute from 1337 to 1351 (1958 to 1972), upon being selected as a Distinguished Professor of the University of Tehran in 1352 (1973).
The international collaborations of the institute were another part of the head's remarks, which, in his opinion, also played an important role in promoting social research education and the quality of research. He referred to the change in the institute's structure in 1972, from an independent research center to a part of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and said:
"This transformation shifted the focus from purely scientific research to a combination of education and applied research. Although in recent years it has faced a decrease in government orders and limited support for independent research, the institute continues to be active in urban studies, city planning, women's and development issues, research related to nomadic communities, and social policy analysis."
It is worth mentioning that over six decades of the presence of the Institute of Social Studies and Research at the University of Tehran signify its fundamental role in social changes, providing scientific solutions to policymakers, and strengthening the research capacity of Iranian society; a path that continues.
PARS MEDEQ company, sponsor of Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology News Desk
Your Comment :