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Hossein Afshin, deputy for science, technology, and the knowledge-based economy in the presidency, announced plans to launch Iran's first atomic clock laboratory within one year. He revealed that $3 million has been invested since the beginning of the year to strengthen quantum laboratory infrastructures at top universities across the country.
Afshin also mentioned plans to establish a quantum communications laboratory in collaboration with the Communications Research Institute.
Expansion of Quantum Education
The deputy highlighted recent advancements in quantum education. He said: "Since October this year, 16 specialized quantum courses have been offered at 12 universities nationwide. Each approved syllabus receives financial support of 150 million toman, and course materials are made available online for free to students and enthusiasts. Our goal is to increase the number of specialized courses in quantum fields to at least 60."
Collaboration With Universities on Quantum Centers
Afshin shared details about preparations for the atomic clock laboratory, a key part of Iran’s quantum sensor projects.
"This laboratory will be inaugurated within one year," he stated. "Additionally, collaborations with universities to establish other reference centers in this field are underway."
He emphasized the importance of laboratory infrastructures in developing new scientific domains. "These infrastructures help distinguish science from pseudoscience and contribute to the creation of real technologies," he said.
Afshin outlined the scientific deputyship’s primary focus on creating reference laboratories in three main areas: quantum sensors, quantum communications, and general quantum technologies. "In the field of quantum communications, the path is clearer," he explained. "A reference laboratory for quantum communications will be established in cooperation with the Ministry of Communications. In sensor technologies, due to high diversity, a set of specialized laboratories is planned."
