Iran proposes BRICS laboratory network to cut research costs

Hossein Afshin, Iran's Vice President for Science, Technology, and the Knowledge-Based Economy, hat during the BRICS Working Group meeting on research infrastructure, Iran presented several proposals, including the creation of a joint laboratory network among BRICS members—an initiative that was welcomed by all participating countries.

He said the main objective of the proposal was to enable shared use of laboratory infrastructure and reduce costs through scientific and technological synergy among member states.

Afshin added that one of the key pillars of Iran’s proposal was reducing technological disparities between countries. In this context, Iran introduced the idea of lowering laboratory service costs by applying the national laboratory network model already implemented in Iran.

He noted that BRICS member states agreed to review this model and consider adopting it. If implemented, laboratory costs would be significantly reduced and access to expensive equipment would be facilitated for member countries.

Afshin emphasized that instead of making parallel investments, countries could rely on shared capacities, a move that would play an effective role in expanding scientific and technological cooperation.

Referring to follow-ups in international forums, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Afshin said Iran’s main emphasis is that technology must become more affordable, and one of the prerequisites for achieving this goal is the creation of joint laboratory networks.

He added that during a recent visit to China, the same issue was raised, stressing that reducing the cost of technology would not be possible without cooperation and the sharing of laboratory infrastructure.

Afshin said narrowing technological gaps among countries depends on lowering laboratory service costs, and the practical solution lies in establishing and expanding shared laboratories.

The vice president said it was agreed that BRICS members would use Iran’s laboratory network model and connect laboratories in other countries to this network in order to achieve higher levels of maturity and efficiency.

Referring to regional interactions, Afshin said that during an exhibition attended by Iranian representatives in Qatar, discussions were held on laboratory cooperation with Persian Gulf countries.

He concluded by saying that if these interactions materialize, costs would be reduced and access would be provided to equipment that may be used only once or twice a year and is therefore not economically viable to purchase individually./mehr