The President of Qom University of Technology announced the implementation of a plan for the presence of academic faculty alongside industrialists and the utilization of the communication space between the university and industry in the near future.
Research in many fields is significant, and the country needs to find a path for growth and development by conducting research, investigation, and localization in various domains.
In recent years, due to the considerable growth of the country in scientific documentation and publishing reputable articles, a revolution has been created in this field, shining brightly in international forums and gaining recognition at regional and global levels.
The Gap Between Academia and Industry in Research Discussions
On the occasion of Research Week, the President of Qom University of Technology, in an interview with Tasnim News Agency, noted the importance of research in growth and development, stating: "The Minister of Science and the ministry's subdivisions are effectively pursuing research activities at scientific and academic centers, but assistance is needed for the research conducted in the country to bridge gaps and move toward applied research."
Jalaal Rezaei Noor mentioned: "Although significant strides have been made in applying industrial research and bridging academia with industry, we are still at the beginning of the path and need to exert extra efforts."
He stated that applied and executable research takes more time and costs, and support should be provided to adjust this environment and place incentives alongside the number of articles and books published, so that promoting professors does not solely revolve around publishing articles. He added: "Fortunately, with the support of the Supreme Leader, we are moving towards reducing the gap between academia and industry in applied research."
The President of Qom University of Technology emphasized: "In knowledge-based businesses, the establishment of science and technology parks, strengthening and developing the ministry's collections, and expanding growth and innovation centers, as well as the Scientific and Technological Vice-Presidency, have achieved a good position."
The Presence of University Professors Alongside Industrialists
He mentioned that the growth of scientific activities and the production of research products have intensified and created a positive momentum in the country, adding: "In the Ministry of Science, a guideline was issued regarding professors' study opportunities, and it is planned for academic staff to enter the industry, serving as intellectual consultants alongside industrialists, shifting away from purely theoretical roles. Professors must also undergo this period to improve their status."
Rezaei Noor stated: "This move is a positive initiative within the Ministry of Science, and young professors should complete this period upon recruitment. We are also striving to encourage professors to engage in the industry, which is considered a beneficial approach to the development of the production and service industry."
Establishing a Collaborative Environment with Industry at Qom University of Technology
He emphasized that Qom University of Technology is seeking to create a collaborative work environment with industry, allocating a space of 600 square meters for this purpose, and facilitating collaboration between the university and knowledge-based companies, which will be operational soon.
The President of Qom University of Technology pointed out that those who independently work on technology can access these spaces at low costs, benefiting from consulting, training, and investor attraction services through a memorandum of understanding. He stated: "This plan has many advantages for realizing students' scientific ideas, and with this perspective, we are bringing the knowledge-based industry into the university, as science and industry are intertwined."
Launching a Startup Empowerment Club
He stressed: "Alongside the shared space, we have inaugurated a Startup Empowerment Club, where we provide training, consulting, and investor attraction services, introducing capable mentors from across the country to advance the club's goals and turn ideas into technology."
Rezaei Noor recalled other initiatives at Qom University of Technology, saying: "In the research domain, we have offered an electronic service desk, making services accessible through the web and information technology. We have effectively commenced a paperless university, which is an unparalleled achievement in the country."
He remarked: "Measures have also been taken for the growth and enhancement of the university. Previously, we had about 50 faculty members for 2,000 students, and we sought to attract ten elite and motivated faculty members with strong academic and research backgrounds annually. Since the beginning of this summer, we have recruited nine members despite challenges."
The President of Qom University of Technology added: "In this regard, the best professors have been recruited, and considering the industrial position of Qom and its proximity to the capital, the importance of this matter is doubled, injecting new life into the university, and in the coming years, we will have a youthful faculty."
He highlighted that we have also enhanced graduate studies and aim to achieve a 50-50 ratio in graduate education within the next three years, increasing the university's growth, ranking, and scientific and research elevation.
Implementing the Industry Partner Plan at Qom University of Technology
He stated: "There has been a 30% increase in books and obtaining licenses for the university's publication for producing scientific books, as well as acquiring permits for three titles of scientific-research, technical, and engineering journals, strengthening the center for university-industry communication by attracting specialized personnel and integrating with innovation centers and technology growth in one complex among the achievements."
Rezaei Noor emphasized: "Implementing industry partner plans and diagnosing industrial companies while providing a cohesive program for interns during their training period, including the attraction and dispatch of five-person teams of professors and students for diagnosis in the industry partner plan of the university and membership in the production revival working group in the province are among the other initiatives of this university towards industrial growth in Qom."