First Iran-UK scientific exchange in 7 years hosted at Imperial College

40 researchers and senior academics from the UK and Iran will meet in London today (25 January), to share expertise around water resource management.

The workshop theme of water resource management is of global significance, with water security being an issue for both Iran and the UK, despite recent flooding in the UK. The 2015 United Nations World Water Development Report outlined how water management is essential for sustainable development. Water resources never respect international boundaries, with challenges associated with sourcing, sustainability, conservation, contamination and waste disposal being key sources of contention between nations. International research is therefore key to finding international solutions.

The event, organized by Dr Kaveh Madani from the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, UK, is in partnership with the British Council as part of the Researcher Links programme, which brings together researchers from countries which do not have a tradition of working closely together on research projects. Considering Iran’s strength in scientific research, there is a call for stronger links between scientific institutions in the UK and Iran.

Dr Fatemeh Ahmadi, Science, Research and Higher Education Manager, British Council Iran said,

“The UK and Iran are both very strong in terms of scientific research. We are delighted that by bringing together the best researchers and institutions in both countries through the British Council’s series of researcher workshops, we are able to support the development of greater cooperation and collaboration which will benefit both countries. We hope that as a result of this event we will see more collaboration on shared scientific interests between the UK and Iran.”

Dr Zen Makuch, Director, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, said

"We are proud to host this eminent collaboration on what is a crucial topic for present and future generations which crosses political and national boundaries. Close collaboration between business, regulators, and other stakeholders will be crucial in delivering innovative ways of reducing our impact on the environment." 

Dr. Kaveh Madani, Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London said,

“Water shortage is a global challenge and a good cause to help us unite and plan for more effective scientific exchanges that help securing sustainable water resources worldwide. Both Iran and UK recognise water security as an essential element to sustainable development. Iran is well-known for its historic innovative water management methods and UK is recognized for its valuable contributions to the water resources management field. We have a lot to exchange and learn from each other. This is, hopefully, just a start of a long and fruitful journey”

Dr. Farhad Yazdandoost, a senior academic joining the workshop from Iran’s K.N.Toosi University of Technology said,

“Water, with its multi-faceted nature, can no longer be taken for granted as a readily available natural resource. As the pure essence of life, water can act as a binding factor between nations, thereby cooperating on addressing its many similar challenges and building on available knowledge and best practices. The auspicious occasion of the researcher links workshop on water management is hoped to serve as a platform for future mutual scientific cooperation on this extremely worthy cause and lay the foundation for collaboration to attend to the needs of the lesser developed communities in this regard.” 

Danny Whitehead, Director British Council Iran said,

“Stimulating science and research dialogue is a critically important way to exchange knowledge and build a greater level of trust between the UK and Iran. Educational cooperation and collaboration is a powerful way to build a deeper and more friendly knowledge and understanding of different cultures and nations.”

The workshop will bring in established researchers from the UK, Iran and the US to support the early career researchers. Water resource management was selected as the theme as both countries are challenged with identifying sustainable water resources development and management pathways, allowing for strong mutual benefit and the potential for sustained interaction.

The workshop will cover a range of topics of global importance, including drought management, climate change, water/food security and water conflicts. It will also contain professional development and capacity building sessions for early career researchers.