The National Award of Iran’s Lady of Science (Honoring Professor Afsaneh Safavi) was unveiled at Shiraz University during the closing ceremony of Research and Technology Week on Saturday, December 29th. This prestigious award celebrates the outstanding contributions of women in various scientific fields and aims to inspire further involvement in scientific advancement.
Honoring Professor Afsaneh Safavi
Shiraz University’s Public Relations reported that during the closing ceremony of Research and Technology Week on Saturday, December 29th, the National Award of Iran’s Lady of Science named after Professor Afsaneh Safavi, was unveiled in her presence. Professor Safavi, known as the “Mother of Chemistry” in Iran, is a distinguished professor at Shiraz University.
About Professor Afsaneh Safavi
Professor Afsaneh Safavi, born in 1955 in Shiraz, is one of Iran’s most brilliant chemists and an enduring figure in the nation’s scientific legacy. She has conducted extensive research in analytical chemistry and won numerous national and international awards. Her many honors include:
- Medal Lecture Award from the Third World Academy of Sciences (TWAS)
- Professor Abdus Salam International Scientific Award
- Humboldt Fellowship from Germany
- Knowledge Medal
- Allameh Tabatabai Research Chair
- National awards such as the Khwarizmi Festival
- Recognition as a prominent national chemist
- Inclusion in the global list of the top 1% and 2% scientists
Professor Safavi has played a vital role in training many chemistry specialists who now serve as professors or contribute to the advancement of industry in Iran.
Purpose and Value of the Award
Dr. Ali Hafizi, Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology at Shiraz University, explained that The National Award of Iran’s Lady of Science, designed by the university’s Vice Chancellor, is presented annually to a female researcher who has made significant, lasting contributions in one of the following fields: basic sciences, humanities, biological sciences, or engineering. The award is valued at the equivalent of 10 full gold coins.
Empowering Women Researchers
Dr. Hafizi emphasized that female researchers, in addition to their scientific roles, are the cultural mothers of the nation and play an essential role as founders of future generations. He stated that awarding the prize in honor of Professor Afsaneh Safavi, a great scientist from Shiraz, can motivate women to play a more active role in advancing scientific goals and help recognize the significance of women’s contributions as intellectual mothers of the nation.
He also mentioned that one of the main objectives of the award is to create role models of successful and pioneering scientific figures for active women. This recognition aims to highlight the scientific abilities and contributions of women, ultimately encouraging their involvement in the nation’s development.
Eligibility Criteria for the Award
The National Award of Iran’s Lady of Science is specifically for women researchers residing in Iran at the time the award is granted. To be eligible, nominees must have at least 10 years of impactful and distinguished scientific research in any scientific field and a well-established reputation for excellence.
Award Nomination Process
It is noteworthy that the call for nominations for this national award will be announced every year in August by Shiraz University.
From: shirazu