Author: Hamed Amanollahi

An academic delegation from Kazan Federal University, led by Dr. Lenar Safin, the university's rector, on June 24th visited Sharif University of Technology. During the visit, the Kazan Federal University delegation toured SUT's technological and research centers, including the Institute of Nano Science and the Laboratories of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering. Following the tour, a meeting was held with the president of SUT, Dr. Jalili, the vice-president of Education, the director of international affairs of SUT and some other faculty members of SUT, during which both sides discussed the ways of technological strengths and collaborations.

In this meeting, Kazan Federal University and Sharif University of Technology (SUT) have signed a ROADMAP OF COOPERATION to establish a framework for collaboration in research and innovation in 2023. The signing of the ROADMAP marks a significant step towards strengthening the relationship between the two universities and promoting academic excellence and scientific research through international collaboration.

The President of Sharif University of Technology (SUT), Dr. Jalili, along with the Vice-President of Research and Technology, the Director of the International Affairs Office, and the Director of the International Students Office, welcomed the Minister of Science and Innovation from the Republic of Uzbekistan and his delegation.

During the meeting, SUT showcased its technological capabilities and strengths, and both parties discussed potential collaborations on scientific and cultural issues. The two sides also agreed to cooperate in the fields of energy and computer engineering, with the aim of establishing bilateral partnerships.

Furthermore, the delegation and SUT representatives exchanged ideas on how to establish science and technology parks and accelerators, as well as shared their experiences in this area.

The Uzbek delegation also had the opportunity to visit knowledge-based companies in SUT's innovation center, technology offices, the Sharif Technology Services complex, the Sharif Entrepreneurship Center, and some startups.

The meeting concluded with a positive outcome, as both sides expressed their willingness to continue working together and strengthening their cooperation in the future.

Officials from the Embassy of the Republic of Mali in Tehran made a special visit to the Sharif University of Technology (SUT) on June 11th.

Mr. Mohamed Maïga, Ambassador of the Republic of Mali to Iran, and Mr. Ahmadou Barazi Maiga, the Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Mali, were received by the president of SUT, the Director of the International Affairs Office, the Director of the International Students Office, and experts from the same office.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed their mutual interests in collaborating on technology, innovation, and the exchange of Malian students at SUT. Additionally, they explored sabbatical opportunities for Malian scientists at SUT. The Malian officials also visited the AI and Data Science innovation center and the Institute of Nano Science at SUT.

The visit marks an important step towards establishing a strong partnership between the SUT and the Republic of Mali in the fields of technology and innovation.

Sharif University of Technology (SUT) sent a delegation to Iraq on May 1st, 2023, to explore possibilities for academic collaborations with Iraqi universities. The delegation, which included the President of the Sharif University of Technology, the Director of the International Affairs Office, the Director of the International Students Office, and the Dean of the School of Management and Economy, visited several universities and research centers in Iraq.

The delegation was welcomed by the Iraqi Vice-President of Science and Technology, and discussions centered around potential joint scientific projects, student and faculty exchange programs, and bilateral workshops and conferences.

The SUT team also visited various state and private universities in Iraq, including the University of Baghdad, Al-Turath University, Al-Nahrain University, Babol University in Hillah, WARITH AL-ANBIYAA in Karbala, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, University of Kufa, and Al-Sabtain University.

On Sunday, May 7th, 2023, Dr. Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, the Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment of Oman, led a delegation to visit Sharif University of Technology (SUT) in Iran. The delegation included the Omani Ambassador to Tehran, as well as managers and heads of Omani Chambers of Commerce and Special Economic Zones. The visit coincided with the minister's trip to Tehran, where he met with Iranian officials and attended a joint trade conference between the two countries.

During the visit, Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi, a member of SUT's faculty of the Energy Department, Dr. Haddadpour, the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology, and Dr. Masihi, the Director of the International Affairs Office of SUT, accompanied the delegation. SUT's Sharif Technology Services Complex, Institute of Nano Science, and Aerospace Innovation Center to gain insight into the university's innovative atmosphere and technological manufacturing capabilities.

A session was held to discuss and exchange ideas on expanding scientific, industrial, and technological collaborations between SUT and Oman Institutions. Key areas of discussion included establishing joint research centers in Sharif's innovation zone, facilitating the exchange of students and professors, and creating joint educational and research programs between SUT and Sultan Qaboos University. The visit marked a significant step towards strengthening scientific and industrial ties between the two nations, with the potential for fostering innovation and driving technological advancements in both Oman and Iran.

On Sunday, April 16, 2023, His Excellency Mr. Isaac Lenin Barao, the honorable ambassador of Nicaragua to Iran, and his accompanying delegation visited Sharif University of Technology (SUT).

This visit was accompanied by a meeting with Dr. Jalili, the Honorable President of SUT, intended to develop a cooperative relationship between SUT and Nicaraguan higher education institutions, particularly the National Engineering University of Nicaragua, in the field of science and technology.

The Nicaraguan Ambassador specifically emphasized the importance of expanding joint research collaborations and student exchanges between the higher education institutions of both countries.

Professors and students exchanging ideas and conducting joint research are among the most significant topics discussed.

Finally, following Dr. Jalili's presentation of the memorial to the Nicaraguan ambassador they visited several university facilities and units.

On April 11, 2023, Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, Mr.Zhu Zihao, and his colleague Mr. Zhao Ziang attended the university's International Affairs Office and discussed scientific interactions between Sharif University of Technology (SUT) and Chinese universities.

The current efforts on scientific cooperation between Iranian and Chinese universities, in general, was also discussed since SUT is designated as the "Iran-China Academic Cooperation" center by the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology.

At this meeting, attended by a group of faculty members, Mr.Zhu Zihao (Rising China) deemed the proposal to form a union between Iranian and Chinese universities (similar to the current model between Iran and Russia) appropriate and wanted to follow up with the parties involved.

Moreover, regarding the student exchange program, it was mentioned that the Iranian president's recent visit to China had led to the establishment of 150 scholarships and that they considered this a positive step.

Moreover, a center for joint science and technology cooperation with China was suggested to be established at the university as well as a scientific cooperation office.

The Director of Sharif University of Technology's International Affairs Office، Dr. Mohsen Masihi، met with Dr. Anastasia A. Minina, the Vice-Rector for International Affairs at Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University (ETU "LETI"), in order to discuss collaborative research and educational activities between Sharif University of Technology (SUT) and ETU "LETI".

The meeting was held in the International Affairs Office on Monday, February 27, 2023 at SUT. The Director of the International Affairs Office, Dr. Mohsen Masihi discussed possible solutions to increase effective interactions and collaboration with the prestigious Univeristy of ETU "LETI" and to think of ways to make possible future MOUs between the two universities.

Inviting prominent professors in various fields of technology, hosting joint educational and research webinars, inviting certain professors, and starting joint courses are among the details of the discussions.

A number of international students of Sharif University of Technology (SUT) had a friendly meeting with the honorable President of the University on Sunday 19th of February. Students expressed their satisfaction with the university and shared their opinions regarding foreign students' education and problems that can be addressed.

This meeting was held in the presence of Dr. Jalili, the honorable President of the University, Dr. Masihi, the Director of the International Affairs Office, Dr. Mohammad Bazargan, the Director of the International Student Office, and their colleagues.

The meeting finished after the honorable president presented guidelines on how to resolve these students' problems.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, Mr. Hiroshi Nashimoto, CEO of Mitsubishi International Company in Iran, was a guest at the International Affairs Office at Sharif University of Technology (SUT).

Collaboration in the field of communication with Japanese industrial and educational centers was a major topic of discussion at this meeting, along with the possibility of a financial contribution and sponsorship by Mitsubishi to humanitarian projects as well as educational programs such as student scholarships.