Sanctions Hinder the Publication of Iranian Scientific Articles, but Efforts Continue

In an interview with the "Ofoq Roshan" program, Dr. Akhoundzadeh addressed the challenges Iranian researchers face in publishing scientific papers. He stated: "Approximately 20-25% of papers submitted by Iranian researchers to reputable journals are rejected due to political reasons and sanctions, which significantly impacts the country's scientific progress."

Referring to academic discrimination against Iranian scholars, he noted: "Despite these restrictions, over 74,000 scientific papers from Iran were published in international journals in 2022. These statistics show that while sanctions have had an effect, persistent efforts can help overcome some of these obstacles."

The researcher discussed the history of scientific sanctions, explaining: "Since two decades ago during the Bush administration, restrictions have been imposed on Iranian researchers and some other countries. These policies continue today, sometimes even preventing Iranian editors of scientific journals from receiving their rightful compensation."

Sharing his personal experience, he mentioned: "When submitting papers to certain American publishers like Wiley, Iranian researchers may encounter automated messages claiming authors must confirm their non-governmental affiliation."

The internationally recognized scientist also pointed to other challenges, including visa difficulties for attending scientific conferences: "Some countries that impose visa restrictions on Iranian researchers readily issue work visas to Iranian students, revealing their elite recruitment policies."

Criticizing international organizations' silence on this discrimination, he reported publishing articles in prestigious journals like The Lancet and Nature about this issue, emphasizing: "We must acknowledge that human rights standards are selectively applied in the West."