The National Award for Women in Science of Iran (In Honor of Professor Afsaneh Safavi) has been unveiled. According to the Public Relations Office of Shiraz University, during the closing ceremony of Research and Technology Week, held on the evening of Saturday, December 28th, the award named after Professor Afsaneh Safavi—known as the Mother of Chemistry in Iran and a distinguished professor at Shiraz University—was unveiled in her presence.
Professor Afsaneh Safavi, born in 1955 in Shiraz, is a brilliant chemist and a lasting figure in Iranian history. She has conducted extensive research in analytical chemistry and has received numerous national and international awards. She has played a significant role in training many chemistry specialists, who are now esteemed professors at renowned universities or contribute to the country's industrial advancement. Her accolades include the Medal Lecture from the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), the International Scientific Award of Professor Abdol Salam, the Humboldt Fellowship from Germany, being awarded the title of distinguished scholar, holding the Allameh Tabatabai Research Chair, receiving multiple national awards such as the Kharazmi Festival, and being listed among the top 1% and 2% of scientists worldwide.
Dr. Ali Hafizi, the Vice President for Research and Technology at Shiraz University, explained that the National Award for Women in Science, designed by the Vice Presidency, is awarded annually to a female researcher who has made significant and lasting contributions in the fields of basic sciences, humanities, life sciences, and engineering beyond their job responsibilities. The award is valued at the equivalent of 10 full gold coins.
He stated that female researchers, along with their scientific activities, are culturally the mothers of this land and play a crucial role as the founders of the next generation of the country. He emphasized that awarding the prize named after Professor Afsaneh Safavi, a prominent Shirazi scholar and esteemed international figure, can motivate women to play a more significant role in advancing scientific goals. It also aims to raise awareness of the importance and value of women's contributions as the scientific mothers of the nation.
The Vice President for Research at Shiraz University highlighted other objectives of creating this award, including role modeling successful and pioneering scientific figures for outstanding and active women, recognizing women's capabilities and efforts scientifically to enhance their impact on the country's development goals, showcasing the existing capacities within the scientific community of women, and encouraging distinguished and active women by highlighting their scientific activities across various fields.
According to this official, the award is specifically for female researchers residing in Iran at the time of its presentation. Eligible candidates must be Iranian female researchers who are alive and have at least 10 years of prestigious and impactful scientific research experience in their respective fields. It is worth mentioning that the call for this national award will be announced by Shiraz University every August.
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