The 7th meeting of the BRICS working group on research infrastructures and mega-science projects is taking place in Tehran from December 8 to 10, The Caspian Post reports citing Tehran Times.
Organized by the Center for Progress and Development Cooperation of the Presidency, serving as the national BRICS focal point for technology and innovation, in collaboration with the Organization for the Development of International Cooperation in Science and Technology, Tehran meeting is bringing together scientific delegations of BRICS member states including Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Russia, India and the UAE.
The key focus areas of the Tehran meeting include advancing joint research cooperation among BRICS member states, supporting the development of mechanisms for defining and financing mega-science projects, and strengthening the role of research infrastructures as drivers of innovation, sustainable development, and science diplomacy.
The opening ceremony kicked off on Monday with Iranian representatives delivering lectures and expounding on the country’s capacities in research infrastructures and knowledge-based economy. Delegates of other countries presented talks, as well.
The Russian representative provided an account of the previous meeting, held in Russia, detailing discussions, decisions, and approvals.
Next, participating states elaborated their policies, accomplishments, and national plans related to research infrastructures and mega-science projects.
The three-day event will proceed with specialized meetings, exploring opportunities for joint projects, and future cooperation.
On the second day, participants are scheduled to make proposals for collaborative programs, strategies, and plans in research infrastructure and scientific mega-projects, and then the cooperation framework document will be reviewed and summarized.
To showcase Iran’s scientific and research capabilities and strengthen international collaborations, foreign delegations are also planned to pay visits to the country’s advanced scientific centers, including the National Brain Laboratory and the Institute for Basic Sciences.
According to the head of the Organization for the Development of International Cooperation in Science and Technology, Hossein Roozbeh, BRICS is turning into an influential player in the future scientific and technological order, and Iran, relying on its powerful science and technology ecosystem, is expanding its role in infrastructures and mega-science projects of member states.
Iran has a vast capacity for fostering international interactions, sharing knowledge and technology, cooperating in scientific institution-building, and participating in major research projects, the official added.
Tehran meeting is expected to promote collaborative projects and cooperation in different scientific and technological sectors between the country and BRICS member states.
“We aim to take full advantage of this international opportunity, establishing maximum impact on our future scientific cooperation,” Roozbeh further noted.
Background of the Working Group
The BRICS Working Group on Research Infrastructures and Mega-Science Projects was established in 2015 during the 3rd Meeting of BRICS Ministers of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The key objectives of this Working Group include strengthening cooperation on large-scale research infrastructures, supporting initiatives that lead to the efficient use, development, and management of mega-science projects, and creating a dynamic environment for the advancement of research infrastructures among BRICS countries.
The BRICS Working Group on Research Infrastructures and Mega-Science Projects provides opportunities for fundamental and applied research that can lead to solutions for shared challenges faced by BRICS and the global community. The Working Group is also responsible for developing the digital platform “BRICS Global Research Advanced Infrastructure Network (BRICS GRAIN)”, which provides information on more than 30 research infrastructures across BRICS member states in five key fields: energy, nanotechnology, biology, fundamental physics, and astronomy. Overall, facilitating data sharing, enabling access to laboratories, and making this process a core component of BRICS’ collaborative efforts is the main objective of this platform.
