Iran wins gold at 2nd intl. nanotechnology olympiad

The Iranian team claimed the gold medal at the 2nd International Nanotechnology Olympiad, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with participants from Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Malaysia. 

Over two days, competitors presented research projects addressing global challenges. Following evaluations, the Iranian team was announced as the winner. 

Represented by doctoral students Nima Dehghan and Hamid Reza Ghorbani from Isfahan University of Technology, the team showcased an innovative project on producing clean hydrogen fuel using solar energy. 

The inaugural Olympiad, initiated by Iran in 2018, was hosted in Tehran’s Pardis Technology Park and included teams from eight countries, including Germany, South Korea, and Italy. 

This year’s event marked the Olympiad’s return after a six-year hiatus due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. 

The International Nanotechnology Olympiad was first proposed by Iran’s Nanotechnology Initiative Council in international forums such as the Asian Nanotechnology Assembly. The concept gained widespread support, leading to the formation of a steering committee headquartered in Tehran, with members from Russia, Taiwan, South Korea, the EU, and later Oman. 

While Tehran hosts the permanent secretariat, the executive body rotates biennially, determined by the host country.