The Minister of Information and Communications Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi has stressed strengthening the ties between Iranian young talents and the country’s scientific, research, and space capabilities.
In a meeting with Iranian winners of gold medals in the
Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad on Wednesday, he stated that progress in
strategic fields such as space requires synergy among universities, research
centers, the private sector, and other capacities across the country.
Hashemi praised the Iranian students’ team for first-place
finish at the 19th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics as a
source of pride and honor and lauded the team members for their efforts and
perseverance.
“Winning a gold medal in a global competition, even under
normal circumstances, requires great perseverance, concentration, and effort.
Your success under circumstances in which the country has faced over the past
year makes this achievement all the more significant.”
Referring to the scientific capabilities available within the
ICT Ministry, the Minister added “A significant number of the ministry’s
scientific managers and officials are faculty members at the country’s
universities. This capacity can provide an opportunity for young talents to
become more familiar with the ministry’s scientific, research, and
technological capabilities.”
“We consider ourselves committed to strengthening
communication and interaction with young talents. In this regard, in addition
to hosting the top-ranking students of the mathematics group in the university
entrance examination, we have sought to ensure that this relationship continues
in various forms.”
Young talents to play role in progress of country
The ICT Minister called for using the potential of talented
individuals in the country’s development, and noted “The path toward the
progress and reform of the country may not always be smooth or easy, but every
individual can, from whatever position they occupy, strive to take one step
forward.”
“Young talents should participate in solving the country’s
problems through a reform-oriented approach, criticism and advocacy, as well as
by offering solutions, because the country is in serious need of dynamic,
creative, and inquisitive minds,” he added.
Referring to his personal experience in scientific and
executive activities, Hashemi also said “Executive responsibilities are not
separate from scientific and academic activities. What matters is that every
individual, regardless of the position they occupy, should make an impact to
the best of their ability.”
Return of talented individuals an opportunity
In another part of his remarks, Hashemi noted the migration
of students and talented individuals to pursue further education.
He said “Leaving the country to continue one’s education and
attain higher academic qualifications should not necessarily be viewed as a
threat. Rather, it can be an opportunity, particularly if this path ultimately
leads to returning and serving the country.”
“If talented individuals leave the country to pursue further
education, it is better for them to make a commitment to themselves that, as
far as possible, they will return to the country, because leaving is not a
problem, but returning and serving is an art,” the Minister observed.
Emphasizing the country’s extensive capabilities, he stated
“In some areas, we need reform and change, and this must be carried out by the
new generation and young talents.”
Teamwork one of serious needs
Hashemi identified strengthening teamwork as another key
issue and said “One of the country’s serious challenges is that we do not
believe in teamwork enough or do not make sufficient use of its capabilities,
whereas many major achievements are the result of cooperation and synergy among
different groups.”
He said that familiarity between the field of astronomy and
astrophysics and the capabilities of the Ministry of Communications should be
established mutually.
“This connection can contribute to greater convergence, and
the ministry’s space organizations and research institutes can serve as an
appropriate link for developing this interaction.”
The ICT Minister highlighted the country’s achievements in
the space industry, described this field as an example of successful teamwork.
“In these achievements, knowledge-based companies and the
private sector, universities and research centers, defense organizations, and
executive and communications infrastructure have come together, and the result
of this cooperation has been a source of pride for the country.”
“Although these collaborations have produced important
achievements,” he added, “they are not sufficient, and the country still has a
long road ahead in the fields of space, exploration, and cosmology, because
space is one of the strategic issues for countries.”
He invited members of the national Astronomy and Astrophysics
Olympiad team to practice and strengthen their teamwork, saying: “Teamwork is
not something that can simply be learned through books and lessons. It must be
experienced in order to benefit from its achievements and advantages.”
Follow-up on free access to global scientific databases
Hashemi noted the team members’ request regarding access to
scientific and global databases, ad said: “The issue of removing restrictions
and facilitating access to global databases is being seriously and diligently
pursued by the ministry’s deputies and colleagues, and the specific requests
made by the team members will also be followed up.”
Expressing his appreciation to the members of the national
Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad squad, their families, teachers, and
educational officials, he concluded “This achievement would not have been
possible without the support of families, the cooperation of teachers, and
ultimately the determination, effort, and perseverance of the students
themselves. All of these elements must be viewed together.”
The national Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad team of Iran,
at the 19th International Olympiad in this field, which was held in Hanoi,
Vietnam, with the participation of more than 320 students from more than 66
countries, won the world championship title for the third consecutive year by
securing five gold medals through Sarina Alampour, Mohammad-Hossein Hosseini,
Hirbod Foudazi, Hossein Masoumi, and Arshia Mirshamsi Kakhaki.