UNESCO evaluates IRIS performance during five years of its operations

UNESCO evaluates IRIS performance during five years of its operations
UNESCO evaluates IRIS performance during five years of its operations
July 10, 2015

Isfahan regional center for technology incubators and science parks development (IRIS) has been under the auspice of UNESCO since 2010. This periodic agreement with Isfahan Science and Technology Town (ISTT), was initially extended for 6 years and its continuation was subjected to further performance evaluations and inspections at the end of its duration. Due to the fact that this period was drawing near to an end, UNESCO sent a party of evaluators consisting of Dr. Yoslan Nur, Senior Program Specialist in science division, Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola and Prof. Rongping Mu to analyze the institutes past performance and determine the scope of its activity. Upon the completion of this visit, the before mentioned committee will asses whether or not to renew the agreement for another 6 years. They will also determine that in line and comparison to UNESCO’S mission statement, in which fields the institute is doing well and where it needs further activity. This assessment will be presented as a report to UNESCO’s general assembly in October 2015. The evaluating team entered Iran on the 3rd of May 2015 and stayed for a period of 10 days. During their stay they visited Isfahan and Tehran and met with many officials. Whilst in Isfahan, they first visited the IRIS and ISTT institute and attended a conference where they were then presented with a track record of activities during the 6 year period. After the presentation there was a session of Q& A in which the heads of IRIS tried to clarify any ambiguities that might have arisen. Apart from visiting IRIS’s facilities, they also met with DR. Keshmiri governing board member and president of ISTT, Dr. Mohammad Javad Omidi the Director of IRIS, Dr. Modares Hashemi the Chancellor of Isfahan University of Technology. In these meetings they were further familiarized with the guiding force that helps move the institute into the future. The evaluating party furthered their understanding of where it was hoped that the institute will strive to in town and region, by attending meetings with Dr. Zargarpour the Governor of Isfahan and Dr. Jamali-nezhad the Deputy Mayor of Isfahan. The party then travelled to Tehran where they attended the inauguration ceremony of the 11th Sheikh-Bahai national technopreneurship festival. In Tehran they also attended meetings with Dr. Saeid Abadi the Secretary General of UNESCO national commission, Dr. Eghbal advisor to ISTT, MS Esther Kuisch Laroche UNESCO Tehran Cluster Office Director, Dr. Ahmadi Vice Deputy Minister of Science, Research and Technology, Dr. Piri the Director General of Technology Affairs for the Ministry of Science, Research and technology, and Dr. Zeinoddin Vice President of Iran for Science and Technology Affairs. UNESCO’s evaluating party left Iran on the 12tyh of May 2015 and have corresponded with IRIS that they are in the process of preparing their report which as mention before will be announced to ISSTT UNESCO’s general assembly.