Significance of honoring scientists discussed at unveiling ceremony of 2019 Mustafa(Pbuh) Prize laureates’ busts
During the unveiling ceremony of the 2019 Mustafa(Pbuh) Prize laureates’ busts, CEO of the Mustafa(Pbuh) Science and Technology Foundation, and President of Royan Institute made speeches on the significance of honoring scientific figures.
MSTF Media reports:
The unveiling ceremony of the 2019 Mustafa Prize laureates’ busts was held on November 1, 2020, with the presence of prominent figures and two of the 2019 laureates at Pardis Technology Park.
During this ceremony, the busts of the 2019 Mustafa Prize laureates, Ali Khademhosseini; Ugur Sahin; Umran S. Inan; Hossein Baharvand; and Mohammad Abdolahad, were unveiled in the Scientists’ Garden, Pardis Technology Park.
Held on the anniversary of the 2019 Mustafa Prize Award Ceremony, this event was graced by a video message from Ali Khademhosseini, the virtual attendance of Umran S. Iran, and speeches delivered by Hossein Baharvand and Mohammad Abdolahad.
Mahdi Saffarinia, CEO of the Mustafa Science and Technology Foundation (MSTF), and President of Pardis Technology Park, during his speech at the ceremony, expressed delight at holding the unveiling ceremony on the occasion of Milad-Un-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday).
He stated that Pardis Technology Park (PTP), as “the biggest Technology Park in Iran,” is located in an area measuring about 100 hectares, where hundreds of companies are working on various areas of high-tech, such as Biotechnology, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Nanotechnology, etc.
“More than 6.000 experts are working in PTP in the service of science and technology,” he added.
He maintained that Pardis Technology Park has received international attention.
“More than 1.000 national and international committees have visited Pardis Technology Park over the past 10 years. A number of foreign companies from different countries are working in PTP as well,” Saffarinia said.
The Scientists’ Garden is an area measuring 10.000 m2 located at Pardis Technology Park. Saffarinia stated that through a joint project undertaken by “PTP, Iran’s Academy of Sciences, and Iran’s National Elites Foundation,” the busts of the eminent scientific figures of the world are erected in the Scientists’ Garden in honor of the scientists’ tremendous efforts in making impressive progress in science and technology, and serving humanity by their scientific achievements.
According to Saffarinia, the scientific council of the Scientists’ Garden selects these scientific figures from different countries.
“Over the past 10 years, the busts of more than 10 scientists from 7 countries have been erected in the Scientists’ Garden,” he remarked.
Pointing to the merits of erecting the scientists’ busts at Pardis Technology Park, he said “Thousands of students in addition to scientific and technological figures who visit the PTP each year, can be familiarized with these scientists and their achievements.”
Giving the audience an account of the activities undertaken by the MSTF during COVID-19 pandemic, Saffarinia stated that since the Coronavirus outbreak, the Mustafa Science and Technology Foundation has been successful in holding a number of scientific events and utilizing the capacities of scientists in the Islamic world for tackling this crisis.
Referring to the 7th STEP organized by the MSTF, he said the Science and Technology Exchange Program (STEP) hosted annually by different countries, was held virtually by the attendance of scientists from different countries who shared their experiences regarding confronting COVID-19.
“Moreover, over the next few months, the Exposure of Industries to Scientists’ Achievements (EISA) will be held virtually by the MSTF,” he announced.
Saffarinia stated that the MSTF is getting prepared for holding the 4th round of Mustafa Prize in 2021.
“Some countries have demanded to host the 4th round of Mustafa Prize, which, as an opportunity, is currently under evaluation,” he noted.
Abdolhossein Shahverdi, President of Royan Institute, during his speech stated that “Today, we are here to honor the researchers who light the way for societies.”
He said that honoring the scientific figures “can guide the youth to follow the scientists’ path and serve their societies.”
Referring to the elevated status of scientists and science in Islam, he pointed to a Hadith by prophet Muhammad, stating “Our Prophet has revealed that ‘The angels lower their wings over the seeker of knowledge, being pleased with what he does.’”
He said scientists like Hossein Baharvand owe their current scientific status to “God’s blessing, their strenuous efforts, and the favorable environment their families had provided for them.”
“One of the most remarkable achievements of Prof. Baharvand, aside his scientific achievements, is training the researchers and students in his field of expertise,” he observed.
Shahverdi announced that Royan Institute is ready to contribute to the initiatives undertaken by the MSTF, both in the sphere of education and in the area of research, in an attempt to “take a step toward nurturing the young researchers.”
