New BRICS Science Competition: Iran to Collaborate with Five Countries on Flagship Research Projects

In an interview with Mehr News Agency, Mohammadreza Hormozinejad, President of the Iran National Science Foundation, emphasized the significance of the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Program.

"The Iran National Science Foundation (INSF), in cooperation with the BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Framework (BRICS STI Framework)—one of the bloc's most important collaborative initiatives—is participating in the international Flagship Projects Call," he said. "The program aims to support three major research and development projects—one in each thematic area—that are of strategic importance."

Hormozinejad explained that proposals must focus on one of the following three areas:

• Digital Earth

• Psycho-molecular Tools

• BRICS Intelligent Telescope and Data Network

He noted that the initiative adopts a mission-oriented approach designed to develop sustainable solutions to common global challenges, enabling selected projects to generate transformative scientific and technological advances while strengthening societal capabilities.

According to the INSF president, all submitted projects must be interdisciplinary and led by leading scientists from BRICS member countries. The ultimate objective is to integrate value chains and develop technology-driven solutions with long-term growth potential.

The international initiative is being implemented with the participation and support of scientific organizations from Brazil, China, Egypt, Iran, Russia, and South Africa.

Requirements for Participation

Hormozinejad stated that priority funding will be given to projects involving at least four BRICS member countries, including Iran. One participating institution must serve as the Project Coordinator.

He added that researchers should prioritize building scientific networks among universities, research institutes, organizations, and experts across BRICS countries when designing and implementing their projects.

The submitted proposals should capitalize on these international partnerships to promote scientific synergy, develop shared research infrastructure, and pursue scientific and technological objectives that deliver mutual benefits for participating member states.

Eligibility Criteria and Financial Support

Explaining the eligibility requirements, Hormozinejad said that applicants must be faculty members of universities or research institutions who have successfully completed either:

• at least one INSF-funded research project with 100 percent completion, or

• one INSF-funded doctoral or postdoctoral research project with 100 percent completion.

Regarding financial support, he announced that each selected project will be eligible for funding of up to 30 billion Iranian rials (approximately US$200,000) for a maximum duration of five years. Projects will initially receive funding for at least three years, with the possibility of a two-year extension.

The funding will be allocated for the entire project period, while payments will be made progressively according to project milestones and in accordance with INSF regulations.

Inviting Iranian researchers to take advantage of the opportunity, Hormozinejad noted that many leading Iranian scientists are already engaged in collaborations with BRICS countries, and that the new call provides an excellent opportunity to further strengthen these partnerships.

He concluded by announcing that the deadline for submitting proposals to the Iran National Science Foundation is July 1, 2026.

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