Iran has put forward a proposal to establish an international network of photonics laboratories among BRICS member countries. The goal of this initiative is to strengthen scientific cooperation and ensure researchers' access to advanced research infrastructure.
The proposed network will allow scientists from different participating countries to utilize laboratory equipment and specialized services, optimizing existing capabilities in manufacturing, characterization, testing, and calibration, as well as other infrastructural elements critical for photonics research.
Vahid Jan-Nesari, a representative of the Headquarters for Science, Technology, and Economy, presented this proposal during the sixth meeting of the Photonics Working Group. The event took place online from October 3 to 6 in Bangalore, India.
He also emphasized the need to stimulate interaction between scientific centers and researchers from BRICS countries. Proposed measures include expanding cooperation through the exchange of faculty, scientists, and students, transforming scientific partnerships into joint technological and industrial projects, and developing targeted joint efforts.
Other Iranian proposals voiced at the meeting included holding regular meetings, developing specific plans, and focusing on a limited number of measurable and achievable goals to be met by the next session.
The sixth meeting of the BRICS Photonics Working Group gathered BRICS delegates to advance photonics in the fields of communications, computing, and sensing. The main outcomes of this meeting focused on joint research, shared use of research infrastructure, human resource development, and strengthening ties between industry and academia in member countries.
In 2025, President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the launch of the 'national document on quantum science and technology.' This document constitutes a comprehensive set of key tasks, evaluation indicators, national strategies, implementation and monitoring mechanisms, according to Abdollah Hassan Bahrami, an employee of the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Economy, citing IRNA.
According to the official, this document is formulated as a roadmap for developing research, expanding technologies, and commercializing quantum developments. In line with this direction, a headquarters for quantum science and technology will be established to improve coordination among relevant organizations, develop an implementation plan, study regulations, track national and global achievements, and submit suggestions for refining the document.
To implement this document, the vice presidency, together with other relevant institutions, will initially prepare a national plan for distributing responsibilities in the field of quantum science and technology. This will be followed by support in developing applications, commercialization, and participation of knowledge-based companies to maximize internal innovative potential.