Political context

In view of the increasingly tense political situation in Iran and blatant, systematic human rights violations, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has significantly reduced cooperation with partner institutions from Iran. In particular, the Federal Government condemns the brutal suppression of the mass protests which have taken place in that country.

The basis for science cooperation between Germany and Iran is the intergovernmental agreement on scientific and technical cooperation (STC) signed in 1977, which is still regarded as valid by both sides. Following a period of reduced tension, Iran was largely isolated until the mid 2010s as a result of the imposition of international sanctions due to its nuclear programme.  The structured rebuilding of cooperation in science and research began following the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear agreement in Vienna in 2015, and the resulting lifting of sanctions. The rebuilding of cooperation was accompanied by a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and Declarations of Intent (DoIs) between the BMBF and individual Iranian partner ministries. For example, the BMBF and the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) signed declarations of intent on cooperation in science and research as well as in vocational education and training (VET) in 2016. Another declaration of intent on intensified cooperation in the fields of water, wastewater and energy efficiency was signed with the Iranian Ministry of Energy (MoE) in 2017. Also in 2017, the BMBF and the Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MoHME) signed a declaration of intent to reaffirm their mutual interest in intensifying cooperation in medical education and research. The most recent declaration of intent was signed with the Iranian Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour, and Social Welfare (MCLS) in February 2019, stating that both parties aimed to cooperate in VET.

Priority topics

The priority topics for research cooperation between Germany and Iran were set out in the joint declarations of intent signed between 2016 and 2019. They cover civil disaster protection, energy, water (including wastewater), environment, food, agriculture, biodiversity, bioeconomy, health research, and vocational education and training (VET). To implement Germany’s research interests, the BMBF supports German research institutions in their cooperation with Iran. The BMBF uses a wide variety of mechanisms and instruments depending on the objectives in question, and subject to the proviso of suitable political conditions.

Promotion of young researchers

Open scientific dialogue and the development and maintenance of communication – particularly among young researchers – have become more important than ever. It is in this context that the BMBF has been honouring young researchers in its international competition “Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development” since its launch in 2009. The award aims to support the international exchange of innovative ideas in the field of sustainability. All competition winners are selected because they make a significant contribution to promoting sustainability through innovative research and development approaches. Young scientists from Iran have been particularly successful in this competition. Eight Iranian researchers have received the renowned award so far.