On Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024, a meeting was held at the Presidential Administration of Iran with laureates from the Young Scientists Festival in attendance, along with distinguished guests including Iran’s Government Spokesperson, Head of the Policy-making, Planning, and Technology Development Department at the Ministry of Science, and Deputy of Education and Community Participation at the Environmental Protection Organization.
The meeting commenced with a report on the processes of the 1st to 7th Young Scientists Festivals and the number of registered projects in the 8th festival. This was followed by testimonials from laureates of the previous festivals, who discussed the obstacles they faced while advancing their projects and startups. Key challenges included obtaining the necessary permits and licenses from government organizations, difficulties in securing necessary facilities, a lack of inter-ministerial coordination, neglect of digitalization and communication with the government, and insufficient attention to research and development in the country.
Besides, the importance of government recognition and support for the nation’s elites and their innovative endeavors was stressed, arguing that such backing is crucial for the country’s overall progress.
Dr. Mohajerani, the Government Spokesperson, added that it would be beneficial to categorize and divide the issues related to each plan into interdepartmental and inter-ministerial layers. By doing so, she suggested, problems could be addressed in a more organized and systematic manner. Dr. Mohajerani proposed the formation of separate working groups for each topic, with a designated representative from each group to be introduced in relevant sessions to the corresponding ministry.
Acknowledging the Young Scientists Festival’s support for both the idea and startup sections, it was proposed to increase the budget allocation for the festival’s startup section. This would enhance the startups’ social presence and impact, thereby fostering their growth and success.
Additionally, acknowledging the need for collaborative problem-solving within the environmental organization, the establishment of a separate section dedicated to fostering cooperation among experts and tackling relevant issues was proposed either during the meeting.
Moreover, it was agreed upon that the YSF laureates would submit their problems and suggestions in writing to the Festival Secretariat, ensuring prompt follow-ups and expediting the resolution process.
