Minister of Science Announces Fundamental Shift in Higher Education Discourse

Dr. Hossein Simiae, Iran's Minister of Science, Research and Technology, unveiled a transformative vision for higher education during a meeting with university presidents and research institution directors held Sunday at the Ministry's headquarters.

Core Components of the New Approach
Preserving Academic Dignity

"Human dignity is foundational to academic conduct, not merely a slogan"

Cited Quranic verse (17:70) on human nobility as guiding principle

Stressed that compromised dignity undermines effective academic contributions

Institutionalizing Social Responsibility

Universities must engage with students, faculty, staff, and broader society

Criticized disconnect between academia and industry/social values

"Indifference to social issues contradicts the university's essence"

Restoring Student Vitality

"Hopeless students cannot become creative, dynamic citizens"

Announced plans for substantive cultural programs beyond superficial activities

Emphasized critical thinking skills in AI era

Integrating Knowledge, Faith, and Action

Rejected performative religiosity without substantive belief

"Neither faithless knowledge nor knowledge-less faith benefits society"

Warned against producing either "uneducated devotees" or "unprincipled scholars"

Implementation Strategies
Mission-Oriented Universities

15 national challenges being assigned to top universities

Provincial institutions to address local priorities

"Universities must solve real problems, not produce shelf-bound theses"

Quality Over Quantity

Halted uncontrolled quantitative expansion

Focused on targeted admissions and quality standards

Faculty Governance

80% faculty participation in some departmental elections

Customized participation models for each institution

Infrastructure Development

Accelerated housing projects (5,000 dormitories + 30,000 marital units planned)

Campus safety enhancements (lighting, patrols, special committees)

Internationalization & Financial Independence

Revamped international student policies

New "University Economy Desk" to diversify funding

Generational Imperatives
Acknowledged distinct needs of Gen Z/"AI Generation" students

"Our discourse must evolve with demographic realities while remaining rooted in Islamic teachings"

Notable Attendees:
Dr. Fariba Mohammadi (Acting Director, Sport Sciences Research Institute) emphasized the Institute's role in campus vitality and faculty housing initiatives.