The BRICS Working Group on Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials convened in Russia, bringing together representatives from eight countries. During the meeting, Iran showcased its advancements and capabilities in nanotechnology, with its proposals for collaboration in laboratory networks and standardization receiving unanimous approval. Notable attendees included the secretary of the Iran Nano & Micro Technologies Innovation Council (INIC), along with the manager of INIC and a representative from the Center for Progress and Development (CDPI). This gathering highlights the ongoing efforts to enhance international cooperation in the field of nanotechnology among BRICS nations.
The 6th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology took place in Yekaterinburg, Russia, from August 26 to 29, 2024, with representatives from eight member countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Hosted by Ural Federal University, the meeting focused on enhancing collaboration in nanotechnology and advanced materials.
During the event, Iran's Secretary of the INIC showcased the country's achievements in nanotechnology. Notably, Iran's proposals for cooperation in laboratory networking and standardization received enthusiastic support from the participating nations.
Key outcomes from the meeting included:
- Laboratory Networking: Iran's initiative to establish a laboratory networking framework was embraced by the attendees. The secretariat highlighted that this area had not previously seen initiative from any member country. It was agreed that details of Iranian laboratories capable of providing services would be made available on the working group's website to facilitate research collaboration.
- Standardization Assistance: Representatives from the United Arab Emirates expressed interest in learning from Iran's experiences in standardization. A follow-up meeting is planned to further discuss this collaboration.
- Student Activities Recognition: Iran's student engagement in nanotechnology drew praise from Chinese delegates, who recognized it as an innovative approach.
- Commercialization Discussions: South Africa requested a dedicated session to explore Iran's commercialization experiences. Iran proposed including a commercialization segment in future meetings, allowing participation from companies and startups. This suggestion was well-received, with Brazil agreeing to invite a representative from its commercialization sector to the next meeting.
The primary focus of the meeting was on introducing scientific centers and fostering collaborations, with Russian universities showcasing their research capabilities and sharing insights on cooperative projects and published works.