Academic Research on the Path to Solving Iran’s Water Challenges; From Knowledge Development to Stronger Industry Connections

Zahra Fayzii from the Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology News Desk of the University of Tehran:

Dr. Massoud Tabesh, faculty member of the College of Engineering at the University of Tehran and one of the active figures in university–industry collaboration, discussed his scientific journey, research achievements in the field of water and wastewater, the establishment of the Iran Water and Wastewater Association, and efforts to strengthen the connection between academic knowledge and practical national needs.

He explained that his academic career began in the field of hydraulic structures and water engineering, at a time when water resource development, dam construction, and overcoming the country’s infrastructure challenges were among major national priorities. He noted that throughout his research career, studying international experiences led him to the conclusion that water management is not limited to expanding infrastructure and increasing supply, but also requires protecting existing resources, improving efficiency and managing demand.

Dr. Tabesh emphasized that one of his main goals has been creating a more effective framework for cooperation between universities, executive organizations, and industry experts. According to him, university–industry relations should not depend only on individual connections; instead, a structured system is needed to identify real national challenges and bring relevant specialists together to develop solutions.

Referring to the establishment of the Iran Water and Wastewater Association, he stated that:

The association was created to strengthen communication between academic researchers and professionals in the water sector, providing a platform for scientific discussions, experience sharing, and addressing major challenges in the field.

He highlighted that sustainable solutions for water challenges require long-term planning and a combination of technical, educational, and managerial approaches. According to him, many national problems cannot be solved through short-term measures alone and require continuous cooperation among different sectors.

Discussing dam construction and its role in water management, Dr. Tabesh explained that this issue should be evaluated comprehensively rather than through absolute positive or negative judgments. He stated that dams are among the tools available for water resource management, but development without considering environmental capacity, climate conditions, and consumption patterns can create new challenges.

He emphasized that:

Iran’s location in an arid and semi-arid region makes demand management, consumption optimization, reducing water losses, and improving efficiency essential strategies for addressing future water challenges.

Dr. Tabesh also discussed the importance of reducing non-revenue water in urban distribution networks, stating that controlling water losses is a key factor in improving resource management. He stressed that successful water management requires cooperation among citizens, industries, policymakers, and the scientific community.

He further pointed out the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches, explaining that:

Modern engineering challenges cannot be addressed only through technical perspectives. Social behavior, public awareness, and psychological factors have increasingly become important components of water management decisions.

The University of Tehran faculty member also referred to his scientific publications and editorial activities, emphasizing the role of specialized journals, books, and technical guidelines in transferring academic knowledge into practical applications for industry.

At the end of the interview, Dr. Tabesh introduced the oral history project of the water and wastewater industry as an important effort to preserve the experiences of previous generations. He stated that documenting past decisions, achievements, and mistakes can help future managers and specialists continue development with greater knowledge and fewer repeated challenges.

PARS MEDEQ company and the Mossalanejad Cultural Foundation are the sponsors of Vice-Presidency for Research and Technology News Desk