Iran and Tajikistan Advance Biotechnology Partnership: Key Research and Development Initiatives Approved

The 17th session of the Joint Commission for Economic, Trade, Technical, Scientific, and Cultural Cooperation convened in Shiraz, providing a platform to solidify scientific partnerships. Dr. Haghbin's participation built upon four existing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) previously signed between the Iranian research institute and key Tajik institutions: the Tajik Academy of Sciences, Avicenna Tajik State Medical University, Tajik National University, and the Tajik Agrarian University. These MoUs were initially established during a prior presidential visit to Tajikistan.

The newly approved proposals, endorsed by Deputy Minister Abdulkholiqzoda, outline a clear path forward for bilateral research and development. The key initiatives include:

Developing a 5-Year Biotechnology Roadmap: A comprehensive five-year strategic roadmap and action plan for biotechnology collaboration will be formulated during a dedicated Iran-Tajikistan Biotechnology Forum scheduled for June/July 2025 (Tir 1404). This event will involve presidents and representatives from the four aforementioned Tajik institutions, alongside ten leading Tajik professors, technologists, and investors. Supported by the Presidential Organization for the Development of International Scientific and Technological Cooperation, the forum aims to operationalize the four existing MoUs specifically focused on genetic engineering and biotechnology.

Launching Joint Applied Research Projects: Collaborative research will focus on practical applications across key sectors: agricultural biotechnology, medical biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, and environmental biotechnology. Specific emphasis will be placed on developing and utilizing enzymes, exploiting high-value plant products (especially medicinal plants), identifying and managing environmental pollution, and advancing green and renewable energy sources. This includes support for faculty research and graduate student projects, alongside joint seminars and training workshops across all biotechnology fields.

Boosting the Bioeconomy through Technology Transfer: The agreement seeks to cultivate the bioeconomy by facilitating technology transfer, sharing technical expertise, and fostering exchanges between knowledge-based companies from both nations. This aims to translate research outcomes into tangible economic benefits.

Addressing Shared Health and Food Security Challenges: Leveraging biotechnology sciences, the two countries will collaborate to tackle mutual challenges in food security and potential epidemics. This includes joint efforts in developing advanced diagnostic methods and novel therapeutic approaches, such as gene therapy and cell therapy, in cooperation with Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education.

These agreements signify a concrete step towards translating high-level MoUs into actionable scientific and technological cooperation, promising advancements in critical biotechnology sectors for both Iran and Tajikistan.

Iran and Tajikistan Expand Scientific Cooperation with Focus on Biotechnology

Iran and Tajikistan have signed 23 cooperation agreements during an official visit by Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, a President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, to Tajikistan. The agreements were signed during a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on January 20, 2025.

A significant portion of the agreements focuses on expanding scientific and technological cooperation. The National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Iran signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Tajik scientific institutions.

These MOUs, established with the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, Tajik National University, and Tajik Agrarian University, aim to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise in the field of biotechnology.

Key areas of cooperation outlined in the agreements include joint research projects, exchange of faculty members and students, and organization of workshops and scientific seminars.

This collaboration is expected to contribute to the advancement of science and technology in both countries and further strengthen the scientific and cultural ties between Iran and Tajikistan.

Iran and Tajikistan Revive Scientific Cooperation with Focus on Biotechnology

NIGEB visited Tajikistan to revitalize scientific and research cooperation in the field of biotechnology.

This visit follows a period of limited scientific exchange between the two countries since initial agreements in the 1990s. It aims to strengthen scientific ties under the current Iranian administration.

Dr. Javad Mohammadi, President of NIGEB, and Dr. Kamaluddin Haghbeen, Director of the Center for International Scientific Cooperation, met with officials from Tajik National University, Avicenna University of Medical Sciences, Tajik Agrarian University, and the Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan.

The delegation also visited laboratories and hospitals at Tajik universities and met with officials from the Ministry of Health of Tajikistan.

During the visit, both sides explored areas of joint cooperation in biotechnology and developed operational plans to revive previous memorandums of understanding.

In this regard, comprehensive planning is underway at this research institute to enable us to contribute in the areas of screening for Down syndrome, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and phenylketonuria, as well as drug production technology and diagnostic kits. Additionally, we aim to participate in molecular agricultural projects and environmental studies, such as screening for thermophilic bacteria in hot springs. We also strive to establish joint programs in molecular genetics and agricultural biotechnology, and facilitate the exchange of professors and graduate students in various programs to foster constructive and ongoing relationships.

This trip marks a significant step towards expanding scientific and research cooperation between Iran and Tajikistan in the field of biotechnology.

Tajikistani Ambassador Visits NIGEB for Scientific Cooperation

The esteemed embassador of Tajikistan paid a visit to NIGEB on Feb. 2024. In a significant step towards strengthening scientific ties between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Tajikistan, the esteemed Tajikistani Ambassador, Dr. Nozimuddin Zahedi, along with Dr. Rahman Auf, the First Secretary of the Embassy, visited the National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB).

Key Highlights:

Genetic Research and Collaboration: Dr. Javad Mohammadi, the institute’s Director, emphasized NIGEB’s pivotal role in genetic research and its collaborations with Tajik universities.

Advancements in Health and Agriculture: NIGEB is making significant strides in health and agriculture, with 30 knowledge-based companies operating on its campus.

Bilateral Achievements: Ambassador Zahedi praised the scientific achievements and bilateral advancements achieved between Iran and Tajikistan.

Future Collaboration: The establishment of the Iranian Innovation and Technology House in Dushanbe was recognized as a milestone for future scientific collaboration.

Follow-Up: Dr. K. Haghbeen, the manager of NIGEB’s International Office for Scientific Collaboration, will oversee the progress of this collaboration.

Facility Tour: The visit concluded with a tour of NIGEB’s facilities and an exhibition showcasing its scientific contributions.