Official Announcement Regarding the Postponement of the Congress

Certainly. Here is the English translation of the text, written in a formal and

With warm regards and due respect,

It must be stated that the aggression and attacks by the terrorist regimes of Israel and the United States against our country during the imposed 12-Day War and the Ramadan War led to the heartbreaking martyrdom of the Leader of the Ummah, the esteemed scholar and prominent figure of the Islamic world, Imam Khamenei (may he rest in peace), as well as a number of commanders and state officials. These attacks also resulted in the assassination and martyrdom of numerous professors, researchers, university students, and even schoolchildren—individuals who were the actual and potential scientific elites of the country, dedicated solely to the service of science and the establishment of peace in society.

These assassinations, along with the bombing of scientific, educational, and research infrastructure—clear examples of scientific apartheid and terrorism—were carried out with the aim of instilling fear and terror within the scientific community, monopolizing knowledge, creating dependence in science, and undermining scientific sovereignty in our beloved Iran. Sadly, these malevolent and criminal regimes achieved their objectives.

In line with fulfilling part of the strategic duties outlined by our martyred leader, who stated during the Arbaeen of the martyrs of the 12-Day War that "the acceleration of progress in knowledge and technology in all sectors is the duty of the elite. Preserving the dignity and honor of the nation and country is the responsibility of all who wield pens and speak," and in accordance with the emphases of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution (may he be protected), it is my duty to revisit these horrific crimes and present a roadmap for resistance and steadfastness. The tragedy of the bombing of the Girls' Middle School, which led to the merciless killing of over 176 innocent students, exemplifies the savage nature of the Zionist regime and the United States. This can rightly be termed terrorism, genocide, and child-killing in the realm of science. Therefore, the necessity of holding the First International Congress on Combating Scientific Apartheid is more evident than ever.

Accordingly, this Congress will be held with the participation of the country’s broader scientific community as well as friendly nations, aiming to build national and international consensus to prevent and counter instances of discrimination and terror, while advancing science and technology with the requisite quality and grandeur.

As you are aware, the Congress was originally scheduled for May 19–20, 2026 (29–30 Ordibehesht 1405) at the Milad Tower Conference Hall. However, due to the recent aggressions during the Ramadan War, the closure of scientific centers, limited internet access, and overall unstable conditions, it was not possible to hold the event at the originally appointed time, and it has been postponed. The exact new dates will be announced once conditions return to normal.

In this regard, and given the importance of the subject and the need to prepare the necessary conditions for a dignified Congress, if deemed appropriate, we kindly request that you issue the necessary directives for the following:

1. Dissemination of information regarding the postponement of the Congress.
2. Registration of professors and researchers on the Congress website.
3. Submission of articles, prioritizing the topics of terror against the scientific community and the destruction of scientific and educational infrastructure during the second and third imposed wars, as well as submission of documentation demonstrating instances of discrimination and sanctions (e.g., rejection of papers for non-technical reasons, lack of access to scientific resources, etc.).
4. Submission of ideas and cultural/artistic works—particularly those addressing the assassination of scientists, students, and their families, as well as the destruction of scientific and research infrastructure during the second and third imposed wars—for the Idea Event and the Cultural & Artistic Festival.
5. Organization of in-person or virtual scientific sessions to examine and explain the various dimensions of scientific terrorism and genocide. (The Congress Secretariat announces its readiness to have one of the Congress’s pillars attend and speak at such sessions.)
6. Participation in televised talk-show programs under the title "Terrorism and Scientific Genocide." Preliminary coordination with the national broadcasting organization (IRIB) and its provincial centers has been carried out. In this regard, it is necessary to identify specialized professors and experts in this field and introduce them to the IRIB.
7. Submission of comments and suggestions to the Congress Secretariat to assist in the optimal organization of the Congress.
8. In addition to holding scientific panels and accepting/presenting selected articles, the Congress will also host an Idea Event and a Cultural & Artistic Festival (with a special focus on terrorism). Students from Islamic Azad Universities and foreign universities are currently participating.
9. Holding scientific and technological sessions will be among other programs of this great Congress.

Finally, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to all university presidents, research deputies, professors, and students who have so far contributed by providing the necessary conditions and organizing scientific sessions, thereby facilitating the submission of valuable articles and works.

Furthermore, for the organization of scientific and technological sessions, please contact the Executive Secretary of the Congress, Dr. Farnoush, at the following phone number: +98-9155431709.

Congress website: Icoas.org

Respectfully,

Dr. Hassan Abolghasemi
President, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences
Chairman, First International Congress on Combating Scientific Apartheid