The Vice Presidency for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy has signed an agreement with the Inter-Islamic Network on Nanotechnology. The memorandum of understanding aims to expand international scientific cooperation and strengthen global business networks. Furthermore, the partnership seeks to increase the international presence of Iranian traditional medicine and natural herbal products.
Turning scientific research into strong economic capabilities requires active international collaboration among scientific and research institutions. Therefore, the two organizations plan to establish a transboundary network connecting universities, specialists, and technology companies. This unified framework will facilitate knowledge sharing and technology transfer while opening access to new international markets.
The strategic agreement focuses on building a network of influential international partners and research leaders. The initiative will leverage existing international capabilities, including the Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation. Consequently, member institutions will conduct joint research projects while expanding cross-border technological partnerships.
The Inter-Islamic Network on Nanotechnology will strengthen connections between domestic and international research networks. As a result, Iranian knowledge-based companies will be better positioned to identify strategic scientific partners across Islamic countries. Furthermore, this collaborative approach will strengthen scientific diplomacy and help raise product standards to meet international market requirements.
International health reports currently rank Iran third globally in registrations of traditional medicine clinical trials. Only China and India rank higher in the number of recorded clinical studies in this healthcare field. Remarkably, traditional medicine trials account for three percent of all clinical research projects registered in Iran.
Specialists in traditional medicine currently represent only 0.3 percent of the country’s total healthcare workforce. This contrast highlights the significant potential for local researchers to advance evidence-based traditional medicine. Meanwhile, Persian traditional medicine emphasizes long-term health maintenance and disease prevention rather than focusing solely on treating illnesses.
Ancient Persian medical theory relies heavily on the concept of four humors, which was developed by historic scholars such as Avicenna. Today, Iran has approximately 8,000 plant species out of the 30,000 species identified worldwide. Consequently, the country possesses significant plant diversity and a rich natural resource base for herbal medicine research.
Around 500 Persian medicine specialists currently provide advanced healthcare services at medical facilities across the country. Furthermore, more than 1,000 general practitioners have completed ministry-approved training courses in Persian medicine. Moving forward, health authorities plan to expand specialized training programs to develop more experts and strengthen Iran’s position in international markets.