The university held its Outstanding Researchers Recognition Ceremony in celebration of National Research and Technology Week. Organized by the Office of Education and Research, the event was attended by university officials, administrators, faculty members, and featured a keynote address by Mohammad Darvish, a prominent Iranian environmental advocate, at Dr. Kashani Hall.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ahmadreza Rabbani, President of the University, congratulated the academic community on National Research and Technology Week and emphasized the fundamental role of research in addressing societal challenges and improving quality of life. He noted that universities should move beyond theoretical knowledge production and provide practical, evidence-based solutions to real-world problems.

Dr. Rabbani also highlighted the environmental opportunities and challenges facing Mazandaran Province, including land-use change, deforestation, waste management, coastal and Caspian Sea pollution, and broader environmental sustainability issues. He stressed the importance of closer collaboration between universities and executive organizations to develop scientific and sustainable solutions. He further announced the university’s efforts to establish an Environmental Engineering program, describing it as an important step toward expanding the university’s capacity to address environmental issues through education and research.

Hojjatoleslam Heydari, Representative of the Supreme Leader at the University, underscored the significance of research in scientific and social development, noting that Islamic teachings place great value on knowledge, inquiry, and the pursuit of truth. He emphasized that research, alongside education and community service, constitutes one of the university’s three core missions and serves as a driving force for sustainable economic, cultural, and social development.

As the keynote speaker, Mohammad Darvish described Research Week as an opportunity to reaffirm the mission of universities in advancing knowledge and enhancing public well-being. He emphasized that scientific research should produce tangible improvements in society and highlighted the importance of effective management of Iran’s natural resources, particularly water. Referring to the country’s historical achievements in water management, including the qanat system, he called for greater collaboration between universities and public institutions in developing applied research and promoting environmental sustainability. He also stressed the importance of expanding interdisciplinary research, encouraging public awareness, and fostering sustainable practices such as the use of environmentally friendly transportation.

Dr. Jamshid Pirgazi, Vice President for Education and Research, noted that this year’s Research Week featured a more application-oriented approach through industrial visits and exhibitions of technological products. He emphasized that strengthening university–industry collaboration remains a strategic priority, stating that “every scientific idea should lead to an industrial project.” He also reported a significant increase in research grants and contracts, with the university securing approximately IRR 65 billion in research agreements to date, while highlighting ongoing research initiatives focused on marine-oriented national priorities.

The ceremony concluded with the recognition of the university’s Outstanding Researchers for the 2025 (1404) academic year.

The recipients of the University Distinguished Researcher Awards were:

1. Dr. Seyed Ebrahim Ghasemi (Department of Mechanical Engineering)
2. Dr. Mohammad Eslamian (Department of Mathematics and Applications)
3. Dr. Sina Majidian (Department of Civil Engineering)

The award for Outstanding Faculty Member in University–Industry Collaboration was presented to Dr. Morteza Asghari (Department of Chemical Engineering).

In addition, the following faculty members were recognized as Outstanding Researchers representing their respective academic departments:

• Dr. Arash Kamran
• Dr. Rezvan Babagoli
• Dr. Mohsen Rezaei
• Dr. Hessam Movahedi
• Dr. Nabiollah Ramezani
• Dr. Seyed Reza Abdollahi
• Dr. Jamshid Pirgazi
• Dr. Ahmad Kamandi
• Hojjatoleslam Dr. Mohammad Hossein Shirafkan

The university also honored Dr. Akbar Hashemi Bozorgabadi, faculty member of the Department of Mathematics and Applications, in recognition of his promotion to the academic rank of Full Professor.