Dr. Arabyoun Shares His Experience from 15 Years of International Academic Engagement

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

Dr. Abolghasem Arabioon, International Advisor to the Center for International Research and Innovation, has played an active role in expanding the University of Tehran’s scientific diplomacy and international academic relations over nearly 15 years of continuous activity. This long-term effort has led to the establishment of connections between the University of Tehran and 20 of the world’s top universities, as well as 61 international institutions and organizations.

The activities, which began around 2011, have been pursued through nearly 15 years of continuous and intensive efforts. Since 2021, these international activities have expanded significantly in both scale and scope, with hundreds of international scientific programs organized in cooperation with universities, professors, entrepreneurs, institutions, and scientific organizations from different countries.

Hundreds of International Webinars with Universities Around the World

One of the most significant aspects of these activities has been the organization of approximately 400 to 500 international webinars with the participation of universities, professors, entrepreneurs, institutions, and scientific organizations from various countries.

In one of these international programs, representatives from 47 countries participated in a University of Tehran webinar. The event demonstrated the university’s capacity to establish extensive scientific networks and engage with the global academic community.

Efforts to organize a Global Entrepreneurship Summit and establish extensive connections with entrepreneurs, professors, universities, and scientific institutions outside Iran have also been among the major areas of activity. These connections have gradually contributed to the development of new international academic collaborations.

The First Contract with the United Nations

One of the major achievements of this process was the signing of the first contract with the United Nations in 2022. The contract, valued at approximately $15,000, was signed but the payment could not ultimately be received due to sanctions-related restrictions and financial transfer challenges.

Despite these limitations, the development of international relations continued. In recent years, the University of Tehran has established connections with 20 of the world’s top universities and 61 international institutions and organizations. These connections are being developed through memoranda of understanding, academic collaborations, joint programs, and international engagements.

Presence in Global Scientific Foundations and International Engagement

Dr. Arabioon has also been appointed to the advisory board of an international scientific foundation that supports leading universities around the world and is recognized as one of the major international scientific organizations.

This appointment represents not only an individual achievement, but also a recognition of the scientific capacity of the University of Tehran and Iran’s academic community within an international scientific network.

He has also been appointed International Advisor to the World Assembly of Muslim Professors at universities around the world. This position creates new opportunities for expanding the University of Tehran’s connections with academic networks across the Islamic world.

Expanding Scientific Relations Despite International Restrictions

The development of international academic relations despite restrictions arising from sanctions has been one of the central aspects of these activities.

The organization of hundreds of international scientific programs, engagement with professors and leading universities around the world, and the creation of extensive cooperation networks are among the capacities developed through this process.

After nearly 15 years of continuous activity, the international connections established during this period are now entering a new phase—one that can pave the way for further academic collaborations, joint research projects, international memoranda of understanding, and new agreements for the University of Tehran.

Efforts to Improve the University of Tehran’s Position in Global Rankings

The expansion of international relations is one of the factors that can contribute to enhancing a university’s reputation and position in global rankings. In this context, developing cooperation with international universities and scientific centers, establishing research networks, and increasing the University of Tehran’s presence in global academic interactions can contribute to strengthening its international standing.

The capacities developed over the past years have created a strong foundation for expanding international cooperation and strengthening the University of Tehran’s presence within global scientific networks.

Emphasis on Student Participation and the Formation of Specialized Teams

Another important aspect of these activities has been the use of the potential of graduate students in the development of international academic relations.

Specialized teams have been formed with the participation of master’s and doctoral students, with the aim of moving international activities beyond an individual-centered model and continuing them through teamwork and the development of professional teams.

The formation of these teams has not only contributed to the expansion of international activities but has also created an opportunity to train a new generation of specialists in scientific diplomacy and international academic relations.

Scientific Diplomacy: A Pathway for the University of Tehran’s Global Development

International university relations are not limited to organizing meetings and webinars. They can also pave the way for research contracts, joint projects, academic collaborations, and a more effective presence of the University of Tehran within global scientific networks.

In this regard, establishing connections and holding meetings with the leaders of universities, scientific centers, and international science and technology parks has become part of the University of Tehran’s efforts to expand academic cooperation.

The 15-year trajectory of Dr. Abolghasem Arabioon’s international activities—from organizing hundreds of scientific programs and establishing connections with universities around the world to signing a contract with the United Nations, joining international scientific networks and foundations, forming specialized teams, and connecting the University of Tehran with dozens of universities and scientific institutions—reflects a sustained effort to strengthen the university’s global presence.

After years of continuous activity, this trajectory is now entering a new phase of international cooperation and achievements, with the networks and connections established over the past 15 years providing a foundation for further scientific and academic opportunities for the University of Tehran.

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