Iran Claims Top Spot in Biotechnology Among Islamic Nations
Scientific Breakthrough: Islamic Republic Leads Regional Research Output with Global Impact
IRAN, PUREWILAYAH.COM - Iran has emerged as the leading biotechnology research hub among Islamic countries, according to the latest SCImago report published in 2024. The nation secured the top position with 1,111 biotechnology documents published during the year, marking a significant advancement from its second-place ranking in 2023.
Globally, Iran's biotechnology research output placed it at an impressive 11th position worldwide. Regional competitors Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey, and Egypt followed with 1,008, 979, 839, and 802 articles respectively, demonstrating Iran's substantial lead in the Islamic scientific community.
The comprehensive analysis, which spans research from 1996 to 2024, further solidifies Iran's dominance in the field. Over this 28-year period, Iran produced 15,188 biotechnology articles, maintaining its regional leadership ahead of Turkey (10,973 articles) and Egypt (7,947 articles), while ranking 15th globally.
Broader Scientific Excellence
Iran's scientific achievements extend beyond biotechnology. Across all subject areas and categories, the country ranked second in the region and 17th worldwide with 75,501 articles published in 2024 alone. The cumulative research output from 1996 to 2024 reached 966,118 articles across all disciplines, securing Iran the second position regionally and 19th globally.
Biotechnology's Role in Sustainable Development
The significance of Iran's biotechnology advancement extends to global sustainability efforts. Biotechnology plays a crucial role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), accounting for approximately 60% of goals related to life sciences and their applications. The field offers innovative solutions for environmental challenges and human quality of life improvements, including:
Diagnostic kits for early disease detection and environmental pollution monitoring
Non-pesticide pest control methods
Affordable medicines and vaccines for public health
Water purification technologies using bacteria
Eco-friendly biodegradable packaging
Economic Impact and Global Reach
Iran's biotechnology sector has demonstrated substantial economic impact, with products exported to 35 countries worldwide in the past Iranian year (March 2024-March 2025), expanding from 33 countries the previous year. The pharmaceutical biotechnology industry alone saves approximately $2 billion in foreign currency annually and accounts for 60% of the country's pharmaceutical exports.
Currently, Iran produces 40 out of 150 pharmaceutical biotechnology products manufactured globally, representing a significant achievement developed over three decades of focused research and development.
The country's biotechnology capabilities were recently showcased at the 4th International Conference and Exhibition on Iranian Medical Biotech Products and Related Industries (Iran Bio), highlighting national achievements and expanding market opportunities for domestic manufacturers.
Iran's ascent to the top of Islamic nations in biotechnology research underscores the country's growing scientific capabilities and its commitment to addressing global challenges through innovation and sustainable development. (PW)
Source: Tehran Times