The 9th Edition of the National Scientific Excellence Program

This year, the ninth edition of the Scientific Excellence Program was held as a competitive initiative, using recognized scientometric indicators to strengthen scientific standing and enhance the quality of scientific research in the country. Among leading researchers from universities and scientific and research institutions across the country with outstanding scientific publications, the selected researchers were identified to receive support in the form of research grants, grants for services provided by the Strategic Technologies Laboratory Network, and support for the recruitment and employment of postdoctoral researchers, in accordance with the guidelines of the National Science Foundation of Iran.

In line with this objective, the National Science Foundation of Iran organized the ninth edition of the Scientific Excellence Program in Iran in 2024, with the aim of strengthening scientific standing, enhancing the quality of scientific research in the country, and contributing to the advancement of research conducted by leading researchers.

Following extensive review and evaluation based on scientific indicators and in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Foundation’s Scientific Council, the National Science Foundation of Iran selected and introduced leading researchers from among the country’s large and distinguished research community in three categories, based on their publications in high-impact, leading and selected journals.

1. Category One (High-impact journals): Researchers who have published outstanding articles in Group A journals. These researchers receive a grant of 500 millions toman, together with a certificate and commemorative medal.
2. Category Two (Leading journals): Researchers who have published outstanding articles in Group C journals. They receive a grant of 400 millions toman, together with a certificate and commemorative medal.
3. Category Three (Selected journals): Researchers who have published their articles in Group D journals. These researchers receive a grant of 300 millions toman, together with a certificate and commemorative medal.

At the ceremony, 57 leading researchers and three outstanding universities were recognized. Sharif University of Technology, Tarbiat Modares University and the Graduate University of Advanced Sciences and Technology of Gavazang, Zanjan, were named the three outstanding universities of the ninth edition of Iran’s Scientific Excellence Program.

A special award was also presented to four researchers: Saeed Sarkar, former Secretary of the Nano Technology Innovation Council; Saadollah Nasiri Gheidari, President of the Graduate University of Advanced Sciences and Technology of Gavazang, Zanjan; Seyed Abbas Mousavi, President of Sharif University of Technology; and Yousef Hojjat, President of Tarbiat Modares University, in recognition of their contributions to the promotion of science.

It is worth noting that Sahar Ahmadizadeh, Head of the Natural Sciences Group, and Maryam Sanaei, Assistant to the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, also attended the program.