Iran, WHO join efforts to eliminate human rabies by 2030

TEHRAN – The National Plan for the Elimination of Human Rabies 2026–2030 was formally countersigned at a seminar marking World Rabies Day, hosted by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education's Centre for Communicable Disease Control.

Tehran, Moscow set to establish joint science and technology commission

TEHRAN – Iran and Russia are preparing to establish a joint commission on science and technology, with a document on international scientific cooperation between the two countries set to be signed at a meeting of the commission.

DOE announces deadline for National Environmental Award

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE) has set November 6 as the deadline for submitting entries for the 14th National Environmental Award, which will be held this year under the theme “Healthy Environment, Sustainable Future,”.

Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, INN to develop nanotech cooperation

TEHRAN – The Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy and the Inter-Islamic Network on Nanotechnology (INN) have agreed to bolster collaborative efforts through implementing joint research projects in nanotechnology and advanced materials.

WHO representative highlights role of medical universities in evidence-based health policy

TEHRAN – Dr. Jean Jabbour, WHO Representative in the Islamic Republic of Iran, has underscored the vital role of medical universities in strengthening national capacity for evidence-based policymaking, advancing research and innovation, and supporting resilient health systems in the face of emerging challenges.

First group of migratory pelicans spotted in northwestern Iran

TEHRAN – The first group of migratory pelicans has been spotted at Solduz Wetland in Naqadeh County, northwestern Iran.

DOE steps up efforts to restore Persian yellow deer population

TEHRAN – The Department of Environment (DOE) is carrying out research, conservation, and breeding programs aimed at restoring the population of Persian yellow deer in designated natural habitats and wildlife breeding centers across the country.

Iran expects Iraqi students to return as flight disruptions ease

TEHRAN – Iran’s Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Hossein Simaei-Sarraf, has said the disruptions to flights between Iran and Iraq would be resolved soon, paving the way for Iraqi students to return to Iranian universities.

Over 5,000 prisoners of unintentional crimes released in six months

TEHRAN – A total of 5,059 prisoners convicted of unintentional crimes were released across Iran during the first half of the current Iranian calendar year, which started on March 21, with their combined debts amounting to 370 trillion rials (around $160 million).

IRCS calls for stronger regional cooperation among Red Cross, Red Crescent societies

TEHRAN – The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has called for stronger regional cooperation among Red Cross and Red Crescent societies, stressing the need to expand joint training and exercises, share knowledge and experience, and build common operational capacities.

National Elderly Week highlights healthy, active aging

TEHRAN – The health ministry is commemorating National Elderly Week from September 26 to October 2 to raise awareness among policymakers and the public about aging, focusing on healthy, active, and empowered aging.

UNDP-backed assessment prioritizes 30 sand and dust storm hotspots in Iran

TEHRAN – A national assessment supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has identified and prioritized 30 critical domestic source areas for sand and dust storms (SDS) in Iran, providing an evidence base for targeted measures to reduce risks to communities, infrastructure and vulnerable ecosystems.

Iranian, Iraqi officials underline enhancing tech ties

TEHRAN – Ehsan Qaboul, head of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology’s Center for International Scientific Cooperation, and Safaa Taqi Abd Nour Al-Issawi, president of Mustansiriya University, have highlighted the need to boost technological cooperation and implement previously reached agreements.

UNESCO chair in disaster risk reduction, resilience engineering inaugurated

TEHRAN – Minister of Science, Research, and Technology Hossein, Simaei-Sarraf, and the Secretary-General of Iran’s National Commission for UNESCO, Hassan Fartousi, inaugurated the UNESCO Chair in Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Engineering at Kharazmi University on Tuesday.

UN coordinator calls for joint action to protect Caspian Sea

TEHRAN – Protecting the Caspian Sea is not only an environmental priority but also a priority for sustainable development, UN Resident Coordinator in Iran Christine Weigand has said, noting that the environmental challenges facing the transboundary body of water require joint and collaborative solutions.

“Shouldn't a school always be a safe place?”: Minab student asks US schoolchildren

TEHRAN – A student from Minab has addressed American students, calling for schools to remain safe spaces for children and remembering classmates who were killed when Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School was struck in a US military attack.

By Mehdi Garshasbi

“Five countries, one ecosystem, one future”: COP7 calls for stronger Caspian Sea cooperation

TEHRAN – “Five countries, one ecosystem, one future” was the message highlighted by Shina Ansari, head of Iran’s Department of Environment, at the seventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP7) to the Tehran Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea in Tehran on Wednesday, underscoring the vital importance of preserving the Caspian Sea and its unique ecosystem for the present and future generations of the region.

WHO pledges to support health ministry to turn global patient safety commitments into action

TEHRAN – Commemorating World Patient Safety Day 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Iran reaffirmed its commitment to turn global patient safety commitments into practical action across hospitals, primary health care and communities as the Ministry of Health and Medical Education advances its patient safety agenda.

New rare diseases identified in Iran

TEHRAN – Eighteen more rare diseases have been identified in the country, bringing the total number of rare diseases to 531, according to the Rare Disease Foundation.

Iranian, Pakistani officials explore potential to develop science diplomacy

TEHRAN – University of Tehran Chancellor Mohammad-Hossein Omid and Pakistani Ambassador to Iran Imran Ahmed Siddiqui have explored avenues to strengthen scientific, academic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

Over 200,000 foreign nationals enrolled in Iranian schools

TEHRAN – More than 200,000 foreign national students, including boys and girls, have been enrolled in schools in Iran and will benefit from educational services in the current academic year, which starts on September 23.

Tech companies to showcase achievements at Uzbekistan’s InnoWeek

TEHRAN – Iranian knowledge-based companies will present their latest innovations and products at the International Week of Innovative Ideas (InnoWeek 2026), scheduled to be held from October 27 to 29 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

ShanghaiRanking GRAS 2026 rank Iranian universities across 33 academic subjects

TEHRAN – Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) has evaluated Iranian institutions across 33 out of 57 academic subjects in the fields of Natural Sciences, Engineering, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, and Social Sciences.

Health ministry to streamline cancer care through national network

TEHRAN - The health ministry is set to launch the national cancer care network in early autumn, aiming to integrate fragmented cancer treatment services into a coordinated, team-based, and traceable care pathway.

IRCS training courses to empower female rapid response teams

TEHRAN – The presence of women in relief and rescue operations has significantly increased over the past few years, and now they constitute a part of the high-capacity and effective operational network of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS).

By Mehdi Garshasbi

Iran putting Caspian Sea back at center of regional cooperation with COP7

TEHRAN – Iran is once again bringing the Caspian Sea to the forefront of regional cooperation by hosting COP7 of the Tehran Convention, with officials describing the meeting as an important opportunity to strengthen international efforts to protect the shared marine environment.

Tehran, Moscow seek closer cooperation on disaster management, emergency response

TEHRAN – Iran and Russia have discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in disaster management, including joint training programs, emergency response, and the use of advanced technologies in dealing with natural and man-made hazards.

IRCS, Iraqi health ministry agree to deepen ties in health sector

TEHRAN – The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and Iraq’s Ministry of Health have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in healthcare, with a focus on medical education, treatment, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment.

Upcoming precipitation expected to help revive Hour al-Azim wetland

TEHRAN – Increased rainfall forecast for the coming two seasons is expected to help restore the Hour al-Azim wetland, Ahmad-Reza Lahijanzadeh, the deputy head of the Department of Environment (DOE), has said.