Iran to cooperate with 5 BRICS members in science, technology fields

The head of Iran National Science Foundation (INSF), Mohammadreza Hormozinejad, announced that Iran will cooperate with five BRICS member states in three strategic fields of science and technology: nanotechnology, biotechnology, and cognitive sciences. In an interview with Mehr news agency, Hormozinejad stated that suitable ground will be paved for cooperation between Iranian scientists and BRICS members through the BRICS STI Framework, one of the most important initiatives of the BRICS group.

The INSF will participate in the international "Flagship" call, which aims to support three research and development projects of major strategic importance, one for each area. Projects must be submitted in one of the following three areas: Digital Earth, Psycho-molecular tools, and BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network. The program adopts a mission-oriented approach to seek sustainable solutions to common global challenges, with selected projects expected to lead to fundamental transformations and high impact in science, technology, and community empowerment.

Hormozinejad emphasized that submitted plans should pave the way for scientific synergy and the development of shared infrastructures, pursuing research and technological goals that ensure the common interests of BRICS member states. He invited Iranian researchers to take advantage of this opportunity, noting that many competent researchers are already collaborating with BRICS countries, and this call is a valuable opportunity to strengthen these collaborations.

The deadline for submitting proposals to the INSF is July 1, 2026. According to Mehr news agency, this initiative marks a significant step in Iran's scientific engagement with the BRICS bloc.