Virtual Holding of the 10th Meeting of the Vice-presidents and International Directors of the Country’s Universities and Higher Education Centers
The tenth meeting of the Vice-presidents and International Directors of Universities and Higher Education Centers with the aim of developing international cooperation in post-Corona stage, with the presence of Dr. Gholami (Minister of Science, Research and Technology), presidents, deputies and International directors of some universities and higher education centers, The ambassadors of a number of foreign countries and authorities of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology were held on Monday, May 18th.
At the beginning of the meeting, which the President and Director of the International Scientific Cooperation Directorate of Shahid Beheshti University (SBU) also participated virtually, Dr. Nasiri Gheidari (the president of SBU), while expressing points on educational, research and international issues, stated that Shahid Beheshti University is able to hold more than 97% of theoretical courses online and offline during the outbreak of Corona virus with 300 online rooms. He also stated that Shahid Beheshti University has adopted the policy of maximum protection of international students due to the existing conditions and also the existence of potentials such as consular services, Persian language center for non-Persian speakers and welfare facilities of the university.
In addition, he indicates that Shahid Beheshti University, as the head of the National Committee in International Scientific Cooperation with Russia and Kazakhstan, stressed the importance of maintaining and expanding scientific relations with Russia.
At the end of the speech in this meeting, in general, the way of cooperation and international scientific interactions in the current and post-Corona conditions (along with the definition of new programs), the method of continuing the presence of international students in the country and how to attract and even increase student attraction in the next academic year were examined.
Following this webinar, Dr. Gholami, Minister of Science, Research and Technology, pointed out that one of the main strategies of Ministry of Science, Research and technology is to pay attention to the development of scientific communications, and mentioned everything that has been achieved in international collaboration sector so far, is the result of international universities authorities effort. He added that in the context of the Coronavirus epidemic, those who have come up with a complete plan and strategy could overcome the crisis. Based on the new circumstances, the approaches in the education and pedagogic field have changed direction, and most of the universities have had many successes achievements which are constantly improving.
The Minister of Science, Research and Technology emphasized the importance of other countries’ experiences in the fields of scientific and international cooperation, as well as the use of domestic experience based on information technology and virtual communication, which is appropriate for the current situation. Experiences gained in difficult circumstances are very important, and in the future these capacities and capabilities will be a valuable asset for the country’s universities, but what is important is the strategic and executive plans of the coming years, which must be reviewed.
Dr. Gholami also acknowledged the preservation and increase of non-Iranian students studying in the country’s universities: “The Ministry of Science, Research and Technology is ready to support and support the country’s universities and higher education institutions, and the universities must be in the fields. “Research to support professors in maintaining their international connections.”
At the final part of his speech, he said that our country in the field of scientific and international relations currently needs synergy and consensus within the family of higher education, emphasizing the creation of a coherent coordination between other ministries and institutions to take an approach to develop a new experience for the future. The summaries of the comments and reports from this meeting will be reflected in order to use them in the process of forming a new path for the preservation and development of international scientific relations.
