Memorandum of Understanding Signed Between the Iranian International Scientific Cooperation Center and Uzbekistan’s Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency
A New Step Towards Advancing Scientific, Research, Academic, and Industrial Cooperation Between Iran and Uzbekistan
The Iranian International Scientific Cooperation Center (IISCC), headed by Dr. Farzad Ghasemzadeh, and the Medical and Pharmaceutical Industry Development Agency (MPIDA), affiliated with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan and headed by Dr. Abdulla Azizov, First Deputy Minister of Health of Uzbekistan, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing and facilitating bilateral cooperation in science, education, research, innovation, and pharmaceutical industry development.
The MoU was concluded on 22 October 2026 (30 Mehr 1405) and establishes a framework for expanding scientific and academic engagement, exchanging knowledge and expertise, developing human capital, promoting research and development (R&D), and facilitating technology transfer between the two parties.
Key Areas of Cooperation
Under the terms of the MoU, the parties have identified several areas for potential collaboration, in accordance with their respective mandates and capacities. The principal areas include:
- Advancing scientific and research cooperation in pharmaceutical sciences, biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, drug development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Identifying and facilitating partnerships between universities and research institutions in Iran and Uzbekistan
- Expanding opportunities for the exchange of students, researchers, and academic staff
- Exploring the development and implementation of joint educational programmes and postgraduate courses
- Strengthening academic collaboration in the field of higher education internationalization
- Supporting joint research and development projects and the exchange of specialized knowledge and expertise
- Exploring opportunities for technology transfer, product and industrial process development, research funding, and investment
- Facilitating engagement among universities, research centres, and industries operating in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.
Cooperation with BioPharma City and Uzbekistan’s Industrial Capacities
A key component of the MoU is the facilitation of cooperation among universities, research centres, and industry within the framework of BioPharma City. This collaboration may provide opportunities to identify Iran’s scientific and technological capabilities, strengthen research–industry linkages, and explore joint initiatives in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and the development of health-related products.
Within this framework, MPIDA may identify its cooperation priorities, research and educational needs, and opportunities related to technology development and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The Agency may also facilitate engagement with relevant universities and research institutions in Uzbekistan.
The Role of the Iranian International Scientific Cooperation Center
Under the MoU, IISCC will seek to facilitate connections with relevant Iranian universities, research institutions, experts, and industrial partners, in line with its mandate and available capacities.
Key activities to be pursued by IISCC include identifying suitable partners, assessing scientific and research capabilities, developing academic collaboration, facilitating researcher exchanges, and exploring opportunities for joint programmes and initiatives.
Furthermore, strengthening connections between Iranian scientific and industrial institutions and MPIDA may contribute to the development of a sustainable network of specialized cooperation between the two countries.
Next Steps Towards Implementation
An important next step will be to identify MPIDA’s priorities and align them with the academic, research, and industrial capacities available in Iran. This process will help establish a basis for introducing potential partner institutions, reviewing joint proposals, and developing implementation plans tailored to the needs and priorities mutually agreed upon by the parties.
Prospects for Iran–Uzbekistan Cooperation
The signing of this MoU represents a step towards strengthening science diplomacy, expanding academic engagement, and advancing research-driven and technology-oriented cooperation between Iran and Uzbekistan.
IISCC looks forward to drawing on the scientific, academic, and industrial capacities of both countries to foster effective, long-term partnerships in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, higher education, and research and development. Such cooperation has the potential to strengthen the links between knowledge, technology, and industry across the region.