As part of its commitment to supporting the country’s scientific elite, the Young Scientists Festival (YSF) hosted a cordial session with members of Iran’s National Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad Team. The gathering brought together medal-winning students and their mentors to honor their achievements and explore pathways for advancing basic science education.
The session opened with remarks from Dr. Naser Gholami, Head of the YSF Management Committee, who outlined the festival’s mission and structure. The role of the YSF in identifying and nurturing scientific talent was emphasized, and the continuity of such initiatives was described as vital to the country’s scientific development.
Dr. Nasiri Gheidari, President of the Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences in Zanjan province and a member of the festival’s policy council, addressed the strategic importance of basic sciences. It was noted that progress in this domain requires long-term investment and patience, as it does not yield immediate commercial outcomes. The risks of neglecting foundational scientific disciplines were also underscored.
Later in the session, Dr. Samadnejad Ebrahimi, Director General of Research Policy and Planning at Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, extended congratulations to the Olympiad medalists. He encouraged them to further explore the YSF’s objectives and opportunities. The alignment of the festival’s closing ceremony with National Research Day was described as a valuable occasion to promote a culture of inquiry and innovation, and to celebrate the contributions of young researchers.
Further emphasis was placed by Mr. Ebrahim Jamili, President of the Festival’s Policy Council, on the need to establish robust structures for advancing scientific development. The importance of sustained support for young talents was highlighted, and a commitment was expressed to stand alongside them in promoting science and technology. The festival’s determination to support the country’s scientific youth was reaffirmed.
Toward the end of the session, the Olympiad medalists and their mentors shared personal reflections on their academic journeys, pointing to challenges and resource gaps in certain areas. Their participation in such gatherings was described as a source of encouragement, and appreciation was expressed for the attention given by the Jamili Science and Technology Foundation and the YSF to basic sciences. The foundational role of scientific Olympiads in strengthening basic science was reiterated, along with a call for continued support in this domain.
The session concluded with formal recognition of the achievements of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad medalists, their coaches, and the team leader.
