Iran is holding a NanoSafety Congress, which is the first international Nano event in Iran, on 19-20 February 2014, inviting scientists and experts from all over the world. A number of guests including Mary Gulumian, Head of toxicology and biochemistry section at National Institution for Occupational Health from South Africa, Michael F. Hochella , a distinguished professor at Virginia Tech University in the US, Yang Jun, full professor at Zhejiang University in China, IL Je Yu, Director of the institute of Nano product safety research at Hoseo University in Korea and Krol Silke an expert from Italy working on nanotechnological solutions for medical problems, attended a meeting hosted by School of pharmacy, a day before commencement of the congress.

The meeting was held with presence of Dr. Abdollahi, Dr. Dorkoush, and Dr. Ghahremani accompanied by Dr. Akbari, Vice-Dean for International Affairs from the School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Gol Babayee and Dr. Mazloumi from the School of Public Health, for the purpose of finding the areas of mutual collaboration, transferring technology and discussing new ideas. The Iranian officials spoke of the schools and pertaining facilities and research centers and expressed willingness for further cooperation.

During the meeting the subject of brain drain was brought up by Professor Hochella and the possible reasons such as economy and culture were elaborated on by the attendees.  Moreover, Dr. Dorkoush asked for the methods of getting brains back to the country after graduation abroad.     

The participants also emphasized on creating scientific environments and making the students understand the importance of generating something rather than being merely employed after graduation. “Something impressive should be done in various parts of the world so that the scientists accumulated in the US are motivated to move to other countries”, said Dr. Abdollahi.

After the meeting, Dr. Atyabi, a faculty of Pharmacy School gave an oral presentation about Nanotechnology and Biomaterial Department. Afterwards, the guests visited different parts and laboratories in both Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health.    

Furthermore, Dr. Nasiri, Dr. Mazloumi, Dr. Kakouyee, and Dr. Golbabayee from the School of Public Health spoke of the capacities and research activities of the school and two Ph.D graduates presented their dissertations in a gathering hosted by the said school.