Iran’s vice pres. for science: Speed in recognizing opportunities key to success
Hossein Afshin, Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, underscored the importance of swift action and foresight in scientific innovation during the closing ceremony of the 6th Mustafa Prize.
Afshin stressed that “the ability to see beyond existing data and tools is the secret to success in science and technology,” adding that his office supports such forward-looking vision and agility. He opened his remarks by emphasizing that the ceremony was not merely about honoring prizewinners, but also about demonstrating to the world that “the Islamic Ummah is alive because it still dares to see what others have not, to imagine what has yet to be named, and to build what can transform human life.”
The Vice President described the Mustafa Prize as “a prize for vision,” awarded not simply for compiling data or drafting texts, but for producing transformative achievements that directly impact humanity such as curing diseases, unlocking sustainable energy solutions, or advancing environmental resilience.
Afshin highlighted the significance of unity during the “Week of Unity,” stressing that in today’s world, solidarity means sharing scientific infrastructure, research data, and technological horizons.
“If the Islamic world wishes to remain part of the equation of science, it must transcend differences not for erasure but for synergy. This prize itself is a manifestation of such unity,” he said.
He further underlined that scientific progress must translate into real-world impact.
“Our laureates tonight have not merely pursued academic paths, they have created points of effect. Science today is no longer just about producing content; it means producing impact,” Afshin stated.
Concluding his remarks, he asserted: “In a world where everyone is running, the winner is the one who sees first. And tonight, we have seen.”
The ceremony was attended by senior Iranian officials, including Ali Akbar Salehi, Chairman of the Mustafa Science and Technology Foundation, Mehdi Safarinia, its Director-General, and Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Secretary-General of COMSTECH, alongside the laureates and leading scientists from across the Islamic world.
