In today’s world, science and technology play a central role in global interaction and sustainable development. Scientific and technological diplomacy is widely recognized as an effective tool for strengthening international cooperation. Emerging scientific competitions, particularly in advanced fields such as nanotechnology, offer valuable opportunities to build scientific and cultural networks among nations. With a long-standing history of hosting national scientific olympiads, Iran has been able to use its expertise and creativity to position itself as a global leader in nanotechnology education, introducing new competition formats that integrate scientific knowledge with entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills.

A recently published article in Nanoscience Advances Materials reviews Iran’s role in developing international nanotechnology olympiads, presenting it as a model for integrating science, education, and scientific diplomacy. The study highlights Iran’s contributions to founding and expanding two major global events: the International Nanotechnology Olympiad (INO) for university students and the International Nano Olympiad for High School Students (INOHS).

Through the work of Iran’s Nano and Micro Technologies Innovation Council, permanent secretariats, steering committees, and specialized training programs have been established to ensure the professional organization of these olympiads. Iran has acted as organizer, host (in several editions), and key supporter of participants. This approach has transformed nanotechnology olympiads from simple scientific competitions into platforms for innovative diplomacy and long-term international collaboration.

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