Despite sanctions, where Iran stands in science and technology?

Pars Today – Iranian researchers and scientists have achieved significant scientific progress despite sanctions, successfully developing some advanced technologies domestically.

After the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979, the country has made remarkable progress in science and technology, achieving high rankings in numerous global indicators. Fields such as medicine, aerospace, nanotechnology, nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and robotics are among the areas where Iran has made significant advancements. This Pars Today report takes a look at some of Iran’s most important scientific achievements over the past four decades:

1. Progress in scientific research and publications
Increase in scientific publications: Iran has made remarkable progress in the number of scientific papers published in reputable global databases, such as ISI and Scopus. According to statistics, Iran ranks first in scientific output in the West Asia region.

2. Nanotechnology: Iran among the world’s top 10
Iran is one of the leading countries in nanotechnology, ranking fourth globally in this field. Applications of nanotechnology in Iran include the production of nanomedicines for cancer and other specific diseases, development of nanofilters for water and air purification, creation of long-lasting nanocolors, and the use of nano-coatings in the automotive and medical industries.

3. Advances in medical science and healthcare

• Self-sufficiency in drug production: Iran now produces over 97% of the medicines needed domestically.
• Biotechnology drugs: Iran ranks among the top 10 countries in the production of biotechnology-based medicines, including anticancer drugs, treatments for specific diseases, and growth hormones.
• Progress in organ transplants: Today, Iran is considered one of the leading countries in the world for kidney, liver, heart, and bone marrow transplants.

• Production of domestic vaccines: Since the revolution, Iran has advanced in producing human and veterinary vaccines, including key vaccines such as influenza, COVID-19 (Barakat), and HPV.
• Manufacture of advanced medical equipment: Iran has successfully developed and produced medical imaging devices domestically, including MRI machines, ultrasound systems, and digital radiology equipment.

4. Advances in aerospace and space technology

• Launch of Iranian satellites: Iran is among the few countries capable of sending satellites into space. Some of the most notable Iranian satellites include:
  • Omid (2008): Iran’s first satellite successfully placed into orbit.
  • Noor 1 and 2: Iran’s first military satellites successfully launched into space.
  • Zafar and Payam: Iranian research and communications satellites.
• Development of launch vehicles: Iran has designed and produced indigenous satellite launchers such as Safir, Simorgh, and Qased.
• Advancement in drones: Iran has made significant progress in both military and commercial drones, which are now recognized internationally.

5. Advances in nuclear energy

Iran has achieved expertise in uranium enrichment, using it for electricity generation as well as medical and agricultural applications.

• Production of radiopharmaceuticals: Iran has developed nuclear-based radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosing and treating certain diseases, including cancer.

6. Development of digital technologies and artificial intelligence

• Growth of tech startups: Today, Iranian knowledge-based companies are active in fields such as image processing, machine learning, and big data analytics.
• Development of supercomputers: Iran has designed and produced supercomputers such as Simorgh and Maryam, which are used for heavy scientific and industrial computations.
• Robotics and AI: Iranian robots, including Sourena developed at the University of Tehran, are among the most advanced humanoid robots in the region.