The 7th National Gathering of Higher Education Benefactors and Supporters of Science and Technology was held at the University of Tabriz, with the participation of over 40 university presidents, officials from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, and 100 prominent benefactors in the field of higher education.
During the event, Dr. Safar Nasrollahzadeh, President of the University of Tabriz, emphasized the irreplaceable and longstanding role of benefactors in the development and expansion of higher education, considering it a deeply rooted tradition in Iranian culture.
He added: “We must encourage national public participation in supporting universities and higher education, to reduce their heavy reliance on government funding.”
Dr. Mostafa Zamanian, Secretary of the Benefactors Committee at the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, highlighted the growing involvement of the Ministry in collaborative projects with benefactors and stressed the importance of engaging the public in research initiatives.
He remarked: “Benefactors should focus on fostering hope and building national trust as essential components of their efforts to develop the country’s educational infrastructure.”
Dr. Mohammad Hossein Omid, CEO of the Iran Foundation of Science and Technology, announced that this year, 17 supporters from 17 universities would be honored, and by next year, selected university foundations will also be recognized.
Dr. Omid also outlined the foundation’s plans for the year, including continued support for student teams to inspire innovation and entrepreneurship, backing science and technology chairs in fields such as environmental studies and artificial intelligence, organizing a documentary film festival on benefactors and donors in science and technology, and publishing a book on supporters of science and technology.
At the event, Mr. Ebrahim Jamili was honored for his contributions through the Jamili Science and Technology Foundation, in recognition of his efforts to promote philanthropy in the fields of science, technology, and higher education.
