TEHRAN – According to Web of Science (WoS) data, over a five-year period (from 2021 to 2025), Iran (with 32 documents) ranks first in cognitive sciences among Islamic countries.

Turkey, with 23 documents, and Saudi Arabia, with 22 documents, are placed second and third, respectively, IRNA reported.

From 2014 to 2023, Iran ranked either first or second in most fields of cognitive sciences among Islamic countries.

Over the course of the decade, the country ranked first in cognitive neuroscience, cognitive rehabilitation, and cognitive linguistics with 387, 156, and 30 documents, respectively.

It ranked second in cognitive psychology (124 documents), cognitive education (561 documents), philosophy of mind (34 documents), and cognitive evaluation (898 documents).

The country’s best ranking globally was in cognitive neuroscience; it ranked 15.

Tehran University of Medical Sciences, with 73 documents, University of Tehran, with 39 documents, and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, with 32 documents, ranked first to third in cognitive neuroscience.

In cognitive psychology, University of Tehran(10 documents ), Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (7 documents), and Allameh Tabatabai University (6 documents) were the top three universities.

In cognitive linguistics, University of Tehran (with 3 documents), Al-Zahra University (3 documents), Allameh Tabatabei University (2 documents ) ranked first to third.

In cognitive education, Tehran University of  Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences were placed first to third, respectively.

In cognitive rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (21 documents), University of Tehran (16 documents), and Iran University of Medical Sciences (12 documents) ranked first to third.

The best three universities in philosophy of mind were University of Tehran, Isfahan University, and Amirkabir University of Technology.

In cognitive evaluation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences ranked first with 196 documents. Iran University of Medical Sciences (105 documents) and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (91 documents) ranked second and third.

The country is placed second in quantum (with 216 documents) and advanced materials (with 5975 documents), after Saudi Arabia, with 283 and 6160 documents in quantum and advanced materials. Malaysia (with 154 documents) and Egypt (with 3151 documents) are placed third in quantum and advanced materials, respectively.

According to data released by WoS in 2024, Iran’s ranking in Quantum Science and Technology publications improved from 23 in 2014 to 16 in 2023, placing the country at the top among Islamic nations in all quantum technology fields. Over the past decade, the country’s best ranking in quantum technology is 15, from 2019 to 2021, IRNA reported.

Quantum technologies include three main categories, namely quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensing and measurement.

Quantum computing includes photonic networks, superconducting circuits, spin qubits, neutral (cold) atoms, and trapped ions. Quantum communication involves quantum key distribution, quantum telemetry, quantum repeaters, and sensors.  Quantum sensing encompasses quantum clocks, quantum imaging, and quantum radars.

In July 2025, President Masoud Pezeshkian declared the implementation of the ‘national document on quantum science and technology’.

The document is a comprehensive set of main objectives, assessment indicators, national strategies, implementing and monitoring mechanisms, IRNA quoted Abdolhassan Bahrami, an official with the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-based Economy, as saying.

It has been formulated as a roadmap for the progress of research, expansion of technology, and commercialization of quantum technologies, the official added.

In this line, quantum science and technology headquarters will be established to enhance coordination among relevant organizations, develop an implementation roadmap, pursue the development of regulations, observe national and global advancements, and propose amendments to revise the document.

From 2021 to 2025, Iran is placed third in artificial intelligence (AI) with 5068 documents among Islamic nations. Saudi Arabia (with 9226 documents) and Turkey (with 6686 documents) ranked first and second.

According to Nature Index, the country’s ranking in scientific production in Artificial Intelligence (AI) has improved from 33 to 30, placing the country among the top 50 leaders, IRNA quoted Hossein Afshin, an official with the vice-presidency of science and technology, as saying.

Iran’s ranking in the region fluctuates between 14 and 17, which is mainly due to focusing on quality, he said, adding, “We’re optimistic to improve the country’s scientific position within the next two years,” IRNA reported.

The official went on to say that the country is following up on developing AI infrastructure, including the AI platform and the AI assistant, in the near future.

 MT/MG