TEHRAN Abbas Shafiei, a faculty of Tehran University's College of Pharmacy, has been selected the International Man of the Year for 1997/98 by England's International Biographical Center (IBC), and thus awarded the IBC's medal of honor. ``The prestigious award will be made available to only a few illustrious individuals whose achievements and leadership stand out in the international community,'' Shafiei's nomination letter by the IBC read.

Shafiei, 61, has a PhD in pharmacy from Tehran University and also a post-doctorate degree in chemistry from the U.S. Besides being the author of nine books in chemistry and pharmacy, he has so far published 154 articles in prestigious international chemistry and pharmacy publications, and also has presented 54 papers in international conferences. Shafiei won the U.S. Student Research First Prize in 1967 and also awards for research from Iran's minister of culture and higher education.

He was selected as Tehran University's professor of the year in 1989, and won the top book award in 1995. The award winner was selected as a member of the Scientific Advising Board of the UN program `banning the use of chemical weapons' and took part in the relevant meets in Holland. Amongst his researches are those on cardiovascular system medicine, angiotensin-2 formula and also herbal medicine.

He is due to present a paper titled `The Prospective of Research on Medicinal Plant in Iran' in a medical conference in Sri Lanka to be held October 27-November 2. The very dedicated and humble Shafiei told reporters on Sunday, ``Whatever I did was to serve my country and people, and do not expect a thing in return.'' Touching on research activities in Iran, he said, While having the right resources can be helpful in research, it is not the whole story and there has to be a passion and drive in the researcher which would propel him toward his goal with least of resources.'' (IRNA)