Representative of National Taiwan University of Science and Technology Visited Sharif

Representative of National Taiwan University of Science and Technology Visited Sharif

Beginning of SUT-Taiwan Cooperation

In a meeting that was held on November 22, 2017 at SUT’s International Affairs Office, Prof. Ming-Jyh CHERN, Vice-Dean of International Affairs of National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (TAIWAN TECH) paid a visit to Sharif. Prof. CHERN was received by Dr. Simchi, Dean of International Affairs, Dr. Massoumian, International Affairs Consultant, and Dr. Behzadipour, Professor at Mechanical Engineering Department.

During the meeting, possible lines of academic collaboration between SUT and TAIWAN TECH were discussed by the participants. As Prof. CHERN put it, SUT is the best university in Iran and for this reason collaborations between the universities would be beneficial to both sides. Following the meeting, professor and student exchange programs between the universities were stressed by the parties. Joint projects, linking the central labs of the universities, short-term courses, and webinars were among the other lines of cooperation discussed by the parties. Further, Prof. CHERN invited a delegation from SUT to pay a visit to TAIWAN TECH in order to negotiate the details of collaborative efforts and to visit various facilities of the university. Finally, it was decided that a proposal containing the details of the collaborations between SUT and TAIWAN TECH will be prepared in the near future.

It is worth mentioning that according to QS, TAIWAN TECH is ranked 264th in the world in 2017.

An Academic Delegation from Macquarie University, Australia in Sharif

An Academic Delegation from Macquarie University, Australia in Sharif

Today, November 8, 2018: An academic delegation from Macquarie University, Australia paid a visit to Sharif University of Technology. The delegation consisted of Dr. Tracy Rushmer, Vice-Dean for Higher Degree Research of the School of Science and Engineering, Dr. Mohsen Asadnia, Professor at the School of Engineering, Mr. Tanveer Shaheed, Regional Director at International Affairs Office, and Mr. Shahram Mirzaei. On the other side, Dr. Simchi, Dean of SUT’s International Affairs, Dr. Hormozi-nezhad, Dean of Research, Dr. Mehrany, Professor at Electrical Engineering Department, Dr. Behzadipour, Professor at Mechanical Engineering Department, and Dr. Massoumian, International Affairs Consultant, received the delegation.

During the meeting, implementation of the recently signed Cotutelle agreement between the universities was discussed by the participants. As Dr. Mehrany explained, the preliminary works have been done and the first cohort of SUT’s PhD students for the program will be introduced shortly. Moreover, the short visit of SUT’s BSc students to Macquarie University, probably in April for about two weeks, was discussed by Dr. Mehrany. As Dr. Mehrany put it, Macquarie’s BSc students are also welcome to visit SUT, especially in its research centers and labs. Following the meeting, Dr. Simchi focused on the internationalization strategies of Sharif University of Technology. As he explained, creating long-term relationships between SUT and other universities is one of the main priorities of SUT. These long-term relationships may include networking research centers, technology park, and central lab of the universities for joint international projects.  Finally, the possibility of joint projects between the universities in different fields, including mechanical engineering, was discussed by the parties.

After the meeting, Dr. Tracy Rushmer gave a lecture entitled ‘High Degree Research in Australian Perspective’ to a host of SUT’s students and professors. Afterward, Dr. Asadnia introduced the faculty of engineering of Macqurie University to the audience.  It is worth mentioning that Sharif and Macquarie have already signed an MoU which has been implemented in terms of a PhD double degree program in all fields.

Attached you may find the presentation file of Dr. Tracy Rushmer, presented on November 8, 2017 at Sharif University of Technology introducing higher education in Macquarie University to SUT’s students.

Presentation by Professor Tracy, compressed

SUT-Trieste Workshop Took Place at Sharif University of Technology

SUT-Trieste Workshop Took Place at Sharif University of Technology

Expansion of Academic and Industrial Collaborations between Sharif and Italy

An academic delegation from the University of Trieste, Italy participated in the four days workshop entitled ‘Sharif-Trieste’ at Sharif University of Technology in 3-6 November, 2017. The delegation was accompanied by several businessmen from different companies and industries of Italy. Dr. Angello Bassi from the University of Trieste was leading the delegation. The workshop started with a welcome dinner on Friday November 3rd. Dr. Fotuhi, President of SUT, Dr. Rashtchian, Vice-President for Education, Dr. Movahedi, Vice-President for Research and several officials and professors of SUT played host to the delegation at the welcome dinner. During the next three days, the delegation paid visits to several labs and research centers at Sharif University of Technology, including Durali’s Systems Design and Automation (DSDA) lab and Djavad Mowafaghian Research Center for Intelligent Neuro-rehabilitation Technologies.

The workshop ended with a concluding meeting at SUT’s International Affairs Office on Monday November 6th. As the members of the delegation put it in the meeting, based on the visits and conversations during the past three days, there seems to be a huge potential for collaboration between SUT and the University of Trieste. The participants also discussed the implementation of joint projects, workshops and faculty exchange between the universities. Finally, the parties expressed their hope that in the near future, the collaborations between SUT, the University of Trieste, and the Italian companies will be expanded.

It is worth mentioning that SUT and Trieste have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Further, Italy is one of the strategic partners of SUT and this fact is reflected in 13 signed MoUs, two of which have been implemented in terms of PhD Dual Degree Programs.

  

An Academic Delegation from Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Spain Visited Sharif

October 8, 2017: An academic delegation from BSC, Spain, consisting of Prof. Mateo Valero, Manager, Prof. Fabrizio Gagliardi, Senior Strategy Advisor, and Prof. Osman Unsal, Manager of Computer Architecture for Parallel Paradigms Group, paid a visit to Sharif. Dr. Movaghar, Dean of International Affairs, Dr. Rabiee, Chair of SUT’s Advanced Information and Communication Technology Research Center (AICT), and Dr. Asadi, Professor at Computer Engineering Department, played host to the delegation.

After the introduction of SUT and BSC by Dr. Movaghar and Dr. Valero, the parties discussed the possible lines of cooperation. Student and faculty exchange programs, sabbaticals, and dual degree programs were among the discussed topics. As Dr. Movaghar put it, since Sharif absorbs the best minds of Iran, such lines of cooperation would be beneficial to both sides. Following the meeting, joint projects between Sharif and BSC in important areas such as water management, air pollution, and supercomputation, were discussed by the participants. As Dr. Gagliardi stated, BSC is engaged in many projects encompassing such wide topics as modelling health, air, and water issues.  Therefore, SUT and BSC cooperation need not be limited to any specific field.

Finally, the parties decided to sign an MoU in the near future. This MoU would be signed between SUT and Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) which houses Barcelona Supercomputing Center. Moreover, Prof. Valero warmly invited SUT’s professors to pay a visit to BSC in a near future to determine the lines of collaborations more specifically.

After this meeting, the delegation visited SUT’s Department of Computer Engineering as well and had a meeting with the professors and officials of this department.

It is worth mentioning that BSC is a prestigious international center which is ranked 13th in the world in 2017.

SUT and ULEAM Sign MoU

In a meeting that was held on October 8, 2017 in Sharif University of Technology, an academic delegation from Ecuador came to Sharif. The delegation consisted of Dr. Miguel Camino Solorzano, Rector of Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro De Manabi (ULEAM), Mr. Guido Zambrano, CEO of ZAMBRANO Group, and several others academicians of Ecuador. Dr. German Ortega, Ambassador of Ecuador, also accompanied this academic delegation. On the other side, Dr. Fotuhi, President of SUT, Dr. Massoumian, International Affairs Consultant, and Dr. Ahadian, Vice-Chair of SUT’s Institute for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, played host to the delegation. During the meeting, expansion of collaborations between Sharif and Ecuador’s universities, especially in the field of Nanotechnology, were stressed. Moreover, Dr. Solorzano, invited Dr. Fotuhi to visit Ecuador and ULEAM in the near future.

A Delegation from Macquarie University, Australia Visited Sharif

Implementation of PhD Double Degree Program in the Near Future

September 25, 2017: A meeting was held at International Affairs Office with the presence of Dr. Tanveer Shaheed from Macquarie University, Australia. In the meeting, Dr. Movaghar, Dean of International Affairs Office, Dr. Mehrany, Vice-Dean of Graduate Studies at SUT’s Electrical Engineering Department, and Dr. Massoumian, International Affairs Consultant played host to the delegation.

This meeting was a follow-up to SUT-Macquarie Double Degree PhD Program. As Dr. Mehrany said, the problems have all been resolved and hopefully in the course of a few months, the first cohort of Sharif PhD students will enroll in this program. Following the meeting, Dr. Shaheed told the participants that in the next November, another delegation from Macquarie University, including the Associate Dean of Research, will pay a visit to Sharif University. This delegation is going to give a talk to selected Sharif students about the Double Degree Program and also conduct interviews with several applicants. Other mobility programs between the universities, especially short visits of graduate students were discussed in the meeting. Moreover, research collaboration in health sciences and cyber security were also agreed upon by the parties. At the end, both parties expressed their hope that in the near future collaborations between SUT and Macquarie, both in terms of education and research, will be expanded.

It is worth mentioning that Sharif and Macquarie have already signed an MoU and Dual Degree Program Agreement.

A Delegation from the Australian Embassy Visited Sharif

A delegation consisting of Mr. David Landers, Head of Europe, America, and Middle of East of the Australian Embassy, Mr. Gerard Seeber, Head of Middle East of the Australian Embassy, and Mr. Reza Gharakhan, Business Development Manager of the Australian Embassy, paid visit to Sharif on September 2, 2017. Dr. Movaghar, Dean of International Affairs, Dr. Talebian, Vice-President of SUT’s Graduate School of Management and Economics, Dr. Shahbaz, Director of International Affairs of Urmia Lake Restoration Project and Ms. Asadi played host to the Australian delegation.

During the meeting, after a brief introduction of Sharif University of Technology by Dr. Movaghar, the parties discussed the possible lines of cooperation. Dr. Movaghar pointed out the high quality of education and research in Australian universities and expressed his hope that in the future the educational and research collaborations between Sharif community and Australian universities be expanded. Afterwards, Dr. Talebian talked about the executive MBA programs run by SUT’s Graduate School of Management and Economics, and stated that SUT is keen on cooperating with Australian universities in this regard. As he put it, the Australian Embassy can facilitate these programs in terms of visa-issuance and money-transfer. Following the meeting, Dr. Shahbaz, introduced Urmia Lake Restoration Project, and current cooperation with Australia in water research, specifically, Iran-Australia Joint Water Center, established at Sharif several months ago with the cooperation of Melbourne University. Mr. Landers, too, emphasized the importance of the problem of water in the region and expressed his hope that Australia can be of great help in this collaboration because of its experience and expertise.

It is worth mentioning that SUT currently has signed MoUs with four universities in Australia, including the University of Sydney, Curtin University, Melbourne University, and Macquarie University, the last two of which are implemented in terms of establishing a joint water research center and PhD dual degree programs, respectively.

Vice-Chancellor of Research of ENS, France in Sharif

Vice-Chancellor of Research of ENS, France in Sharif

Professor Yves Laszlo, French mathematician and Vice-Chancellor of Research at ENS, France, visited Sharif on July 18, 2017. In the meeting, which was held at SUT’s International Affairs Office, Dr. Movahedi, Vice-President of Research, Dr. Daneshgar, Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Dr. Ghofrani, Head of the Energy Engineering Department, Dr. Kia, Professor at the Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Massoumian, International Affairs Consultant played host to Dr. Laszlo.

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Massoumian briefed Dr. Laszlo about Sharif University of Technology. The participants also discussed the possible lines of cooperation between ENS and SUT. Following the meeting, Dr. Laszlo introduced ENS to the participants. As he put it, according to QS rankings, ENS is the best university in France. This university consists of seven humanities and eight Natural Sciences departments. Moreover, there are 10 Fields Medal winners and 12 Noble laureates among its alumni.

Finally, the parties decided to start the collaboration between the institutes in terms of short-term internship programs for Masters and PhD students, faculty exchange programs, and double degree programs in two or three disciplines. It was also decided that an MoU be signed between the universities in the near future.

Afterwards, Professor Laszlo visited Sharif Technology Services Complex, Institute for Nano Science and Nanotechnology, and several labs in the Department of Chemistry. 

Iranian prodigy and Sharif Graduate, Professor Maryam Mirzakhani passed away at 40

Iranian prodigy and Sharif Graduate, Professor Maryam Mirzakhani passed away at 40

Maryam Mirzakahni, the first woman to win the Fields Medal in Mathematics, passed away on July 15, 2017. Mirzakhani was a graduate of SUT’s Department of Mathematics. At the time of her death, she was the professor of Mathematics at Stanford University.

In separate letters of condolence, Dr. Rouhani, President of Iran, Dr. Farhadi, Minister of Science, Higher Education, and Research, and Dr. Fotuhi, President of SUT, offered their condolences on the untimely death of Prof. Mirzakhani to her family and Iran’s academic society.

An Academic Delegation from Tsinghua University, China in Sharif

An Academic Delegation from Tsinghua University, China in Sharif

A delegation consisting of students and professors from Tsinghua University, China, visited Sharif on July 15, 2017. Professor Hu Yu, Head of Journalism and Communication Department of Tsinghua University, led the delegation. The other members of the delegation were graduate and undergraduate students who were interested in the expansion of cooperation with Iran from different angles- both from engineering perspective and humanities perspective.

The delegation visited SUT’s Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and also Sharif Technology Services Complex. They also had a meeting with several professors and officials of SUT- including Dr. Ghofrani, Head of Energy Engineering Department, Dr. Khalaj, Professor of Electrical Engineering, Dr. Massoumian, International Affairs Consultant, Dr. Behzadipour, Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department, Dr. Hajizadeh, Professor at the Graduate School of Management and Economics, and Dr. Fatemi, Professor at the Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department.

During the meeting, after a brief introduction of SUT by Dr. Massoumian, Dr. Ghofrani gave a lecture entitled an overview of higher education in Iran with focus on Sharif University. On the other side, Mr. Zhao Chuang, introduced Tsinghua University to the participants. The parties also discussed the phenomenon of brain drain which besets both countries and proposed their solutions.  Finally, both parties expressed their hope that this visit can lead to a fruitful collaboration between the universities in the near future.

This Chinese delegation had also visited Kashan, Isfahan, and Shiraz during the previous days. It is worth mentioning that Tsinghua University is the best university in China and is ranked 24th in 2017 according to QS rankings. Moreover, SUT’s current active engagements with China are collaboration with Shanghai University in China and HKUST in Hong Kong.