Iranian Research Organization for Science & Technology

The 39^th Khwarizmi International Award and the 27^th Khwarizmi Youth Award were held at the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, attended by the First Vice-President, the Government Spokesperson, and the Minister of Science, Research and Technology.

Referring to the significance of appreciation, Hossein Simaei, the Minister of Science, Research and Technology said that recognition reflects the culmination of a long year of research and scholarly effort. He added that projects and responsibilities entrusted by the government to universities represent new missions and renewed trust in academic institutions. He emphasized that it is no exaggeration to say that university representatives frequently visit the Presidential Office - sometimes weekly or biweekly-to receive assignments and present reports on scientific and technological research.

Simaei described the Khwarizmi Awards as a mirror of the scientific maturity of Iran’s academic community and a demonstration of a nation still striving to conquer new heights of knowledge. He remarked that the country stands at a historical crossroads: one path is imitation and gradual improvement, which may turn us into competent players on someone else’s field; the other path is creative destruction and innovation. Simaei added that a review of the history of technology and Nobel Prizes shows that while economic growth in many countries has been based on imitation or acceleration, no country has achieved a developed economy without experiencing the “storm” of creative destruction.

Emphasizing the strategic message of this reality, he said that a knowledge-based economy must embrace humility and openness toward creative destruction. Citing Friedrich Nietzsche, he noted that Nietzsche once said that to build a new temple, the old one must inevitably be demolished - a metaphor applicable to creative renewal. Simaei clarified that destruction does not mean closure or annihilation. Creative destruction means discarding outdated models before they become obsolete. A knowledge-based company must have the courage to remove yesterday’s product from the market before competitors do. Universities must also free themselves from outdated dependencies and adapt to the evolving demands of the time. Creative destruction thus becomes a prelude to renewal.

Addressing the laureates, Simaei urged them not to fear scientific frontiers, emphasizing that innovation is inherently interdisciplinary. While depth in a field is important, breadth of knowledge often enables effective problem-solving. He advised young researchers not to fear challenges and stressed that the primary goal should be solving real problems rather than merely producing articles or building devices. He also highlighted the need for the government to utilize this strong academic capacity in pursuit of better governance, emphasizing that good governance is knowledge-based and rooted in both human-centered values and the integration of faith and science.