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Background:

With the growing need for applied research in the fields of health, safety, injury prevention, and the control of environmental factors threatening the health of the general population and the workforce in the country, the Research Centers for Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention, Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control, and Air Quality and Climate Change were established, respectively, in 2008, 2014, and 2021 at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences upon obtaining approval from the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, and subsequently commenced their activities.

In view of the remarkable achievements of these research centers in providing knowledge-based solutions for promoting public health in the country and advancing scientific knowledge in the fields of health and the environment, and with the aim of enhancing coordination and synergy among their activities as well as expanding their impact at both national and international levels, a proposal to establish the Research Institute for Health Sciences and Environment through the integration of these research centers was presented and approved during a meeting held on 16 October 2021, attended by the directors, deputy directors, and several members of the founding boards of the Research Centers for Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention, Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control, and Air Quality and Climate Change. The proposal was subsequently submitted to the President of the University through an official letter.

At the 48th meeting of the University Council, held on 1 February 2022, the establishment of the Research Institute for Health Sciences and Environment was approved, and the resolution was formally communicated to the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Following the completion of the required documentation, the Establishment and Decision-Making Working Group for Medical Sciences Research Structures of the Ministry's Deputy for Research and Technology approved the establishment of the Institute on 30 October 2022. Subsequently, at the 289th meeting of the Council for the Expansion of Medical Universities, held on 5 March 2023, the establishment of the Research Institute for Health Sciences and Environment received final approval.

At the 295th meeting of the Council for the Expansion of Medical Universities, held on 8 July 2025, the addition of the Workplace Health Promotion Research Center to the Research Institute for Health Sciences and Environment was approved.

The Research Institute for Health Sciences and Environment has been established at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences with the objective of expanding and integrating research and technology in the domains of disease and injury prevention, health and safety promotion, and enhancing the quality of life of the general public and the environment. This initiative is undertaken in alignment with the general health policies and the general environmental policies enact by the Supreme Leader, the objectives defined in the Comprehensive Scientific Health Map, the national development plans, and the fulfillment of the recommendations set forth in the statement on the Second Phase of the Revolution. Moreover, it aims to strengthen the requisite infrastructure for the country to achieve scientific authority and self-sufficiency. Currently, this research institute comprises four research centers, namely: the Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center, the Environmental and Occupational Hazard Control Research Center, the Air Quality and Climate Change Research Center, and the Workplace Health Promotion Research Center.

Prospect:

Over the next five years, the Research Institute for Health Sciences and Environment aspires to attain a position of reference authority as a consultative arm in the policy-making processes of the country’s health and environmental systems. This will be achieved by employment of skilled, committed, and expert human resources, conducting applied, impactful, and technology-oriented research, and fostering national and international collaborations. Through the production of knowledge-based products and services, the generation of valid scientific evidence, knowledge translation, and scholarly publications, the Institute aims to contribute meaningfully to the promotion of public health, the improvement of environmental quality, and the elevation of the nation’s scientific standing.

Mission:

The mission of the Research Institute for Health Sciences and Environment is to identify and assess environmental, behavioral, and social factors affecting the health status of the general public, and to provide preventive and corrective solutions in the form of knowledge-based products and services, as well as valid scientific evidence. This is pursued through the direction of fundamental, applied, impactful, technology-oriented, and problem-driven research that addresses the country's needs, alongside the training of committed and specialized human resources. This mission is accomplished by establishing a coherent organizational structure, systematically organizing and purposefully utilizing the equipment, facilities, and expert personnel of affiliated research centers, technology units, and educational and research departments, as well as by facilitating national and international research collaborations.

Values and Beliefs:

  • Upholding human dignity and institutionalizing Islamic and ethical values.
  • Safeguarding national resources, securing national interests, and contributing to the accomplishment of the objectives set forth in National Policy Statement documents.
  • Commitment to performing duties with diligence and trustworthiness concerning ideas and research proposals.
  • Assuming responsibility and accountability in addressing the needs of society and industry.
  • Observing the material and intellectual rights of researchers and stakeholders.
  • Ensuring fairness in the provision of research opportunities based on needs assessment and established priorities.
  • Adherence to the rule of law and transparency.
  • Ensuring research impact and fostering knowledge-based entrepreneurship.

Strategies:

  • Developing and strengthening competitive advantages in the areas of education, research, and technology.
  • Focusing on addressing the needs of society and industry within the country.
  • Attracting and optimally managing resources (human capital, infrastructure, and financial resources).
  • Networking and fostering national and international collaborations in the fields of education, research, and technology.
  • Establishing effective and continuous communication with all stakeholders.

Establishing effective and continuous communication with all stakeholders.

  • Disaster Management Research Group
  • Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics in Health and Environmental Sciences Research Group
  • Health Technology Assessment and Health Economics Research Group
  • Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Response Research

Achievements:

  • Approximately 500 research proposals
  • Approximately 100 research proposals with grants
  • Over 1,350 published articles
  • Research activities conducted by about 40 faculty members in the fields of health sciences  and environment
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  • Approximately 10 approved impactful research proposals
  • Hosting a national and international conference on environmental health in the year 2025, along with holding scientific and specialized meetings, workshops, and research competitions
  • Publication of several books and the launch of a website in the areas of health sciences  and environment
  • Production of graphic visual content in the fields of health sciences  and environment
  • Signing of memoranda of understanding and contracts with institutions and centers in the health, industrial, and environmental sectors

 

Overall Objectives:

  1. Achieving the status of a leading scientific and research hub in the country.
  2. Translating research into practice through the production of knowledge-based products and services and their commercialization.
  3. Elevating the country's scientific standing in the fields of health sciences and environment.
  4. Actively participating in the formulation of policies for the health and environmental sectors in the country.
  5. Playing an effective role in promoting public health and improving environmental quality in the country.
  6. Training specialized human resources and empowering researchers.
  7. Encouraging and facilitating the effective engagement of the general public in promoting health and improving environmental quality in the country.

 

Fields of cooperation’s (national, international)

 

The Research Institute for Health Sciences and Environment is prepared to collaborate with domestic and foreign centers, institutes, and universities in the following research areas, in the form of large-scale and multi-center projects:

  • Air Quality
  • Control of Environmental Risk Factors
  • Climate Change and Health
  • Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention
  • Control of Hazardous Agents in the Work Environment
  • Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Management
  • Epidemiology of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases and Their Risk Factors
  • Environmental Health
  • Public Health and Health Promotion
  • Workplace Health Promotion

 

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