According to the Public Relations Office of the Student Affairs Organization, citing the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences, a joint meeting was held between the Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal and the President of IASBS of Zanjan, along with vice presidents, several faculty deans, and members of the academic staff. During the meeting, existing capacities for scientific, research, technological cooperation, and the recruitment of students from Senegal were reviewed.
Saliou Niang Ding, the Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal, emphasizing the long-standing, deep, and mutually respectful relations between Iran and Senegal, stated that Iran possesses valuable experience in higher education, science, and technology, and that the academic quality of Iranian universities and research centers provides a suitable foundation for joint cooperation.
Referring to the successful experience of Senegalese students studying in Iran, he added that Senegal is interested in increasing the number of scholarship students in primary fields, particularly in earth sciences, mining, technology, and artificial intelligence.
The Ambassador of Senegal also highlighted the capacities of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences of Zanjan, describing it as one of Iran’s capable institutions in the fields of science and technology.
Subsequently, Dr. Sadollah Nasiri Gheydari, the President of Zanjan’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences, referring to the long history of relations between the two countries, stated that Iran and Senegal have enjoyed significant academic and cultural cooperation over the past half-century, and that expanding these collaborations in the new era could open new horizons.
Introducing the Institute’s structure, he explained that IASBS of Zanjan comprises six faculties, including physics, chemistry, mathematics, biological sciences, earth sciences, and computer science, and, with its well-equipped science and technology Park, has strong potential for developing joint technological activities.
The university president added that there is currently one Senegalese PhD student in earth sciences studying at the Institute, and that increasing the number of incoming students and researchers could mark the beginning of a new phase of academic cooperation between the two sides.
Dr. Nasiri Gheydari emphasized that the memorandum of understanding between the Institute and the Embassy of Senegal has been prepared and that sustained follow-up is essential to ensure practical and applied outcomes for both countries.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the memorandum of understanding was formally signed by both parties.
Following the signing ceremony, the Ambassador of Senegal visited the Institute’s Science and Technology Park. During this visit, technologies and industrial products developed by resident companies were presented, including innovations in light and optics for material identification and pest detection, the power industry, Park management, mineral exploration and extraction, SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) systems and power system management, advanced medical imaging, and livestock breeding improvement. At the end of the visit, the Ambassador expressed satisfaction with his presence at the Park and, drawing on his experience in various countries, praised Iran’s technological and scientific progress despite existing challenges and constraints.
The Ambassador and his accompanying delegation then toured the research laboratories of the faculties of earth sciences, chemistry, and physics. During this visit, faculty members and researchers explained advanced research equipment, achievements, and the practical applications of ongoing projects.
Overall, the visit led to the Ambassador’s familiarity with the scientific and research capacities of Zanjan’s Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences and the province’s capabilities, the introduction of Zanjan’s tourism potential, and the signing of a cooperation memorandum between the Institute and the Embassy of Senegal aimed at facilitating scientific, research, and industrial linkages and strengthening academic relations.