In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 4, 7, 15, 16, 17), the UNESCO Chair on Interdisciplinary Research in Diabetes has established significant interuniversity exchanges and partnerships with national and international institutions. These collaborations have fostered a multidisciplinary approach to research, particularly in the fields of biophysics, biotechnology, and environmental health.

National Laboratory Research Network (NLRN)

1. Biophysical Chemistry Lab (BCL), Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran
   The Biophysical Chemistry Lab, a pivotal part of the National Laboratory Research Network, focuses on cutting-edge research in biochemistry and biophysics, addressing diabetes and related complications through biophysical approaches. (For more details, visit: bcl.ut.ac.ir)

2. Protein Biotechnology Research Lab (PBRL), School of Biology, University of Tehran
   Since its inception in 2006, the Protein Biotechnology Research Lab has been committed to exploring protein and peptide science and technology. Major research themes include enzyme immobilization, protein stabilization, biosensors, and catalytic transformations. The lab's ongoing projects concentrate on diseases like type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

   Director: Prof. Mehran Habibi-Rezaei (PhD)
   Website: pbrl.ut.ac.ir

   PBRL members include postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and master’s students actively contributing to a range of publications in international journals, covering topics like protein aggregation, oxidative stress, and glycated albumin detection.

   International Collaborations:

   • Prof. Luciano Saso, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
   • Dr. Marcus Conrad, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Germany
   • Prof. Daniel E. Otzen, Aarhus University, Denmark

   These partnerships focus on molecular biology, diabetes-related diseases, and bio-therapeutics.

3. Protein Chemistry Laboratory (PCL), Shiraz University
   PCL's research is focused on the structural/functional variation of lens crystallins and human insulin, with particular attention to diabetes-related complications such as cataracts. The lab is also pioneering insulin analog development to address medical challenges related to diabetes management. A recent grant from the National Institute for Medical Research Development (NIMAD) aims to create cost-effective purification methods for liraglutide, a long-acting antidiabetic peptide.

   Director: Prof. Reza Yousefi (PhD)
   Website: shirazu.ac.ir

   Key Research Areas:

   • Mutational impact on crystallin proteins
   • Insulin analogs development
   • Liraglutide purification for diabetic treatment

These collaborations are vital in pushing the frontiers of biophysics, biotechnology, and diabetes research, contributing to global efforts towards achieving health and sustainability goals.

Collaboration with Other Departments

• Department of Food Science, Engineering, and Technology, College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj Campus, Karaj, Iran:
  • Led by Dr. Zahra Emam-Djomeh and Dr. Maryam Salami, the department focuses on interdisciplinary projects related to food safety, food processing technologies, and innovations in agricultural biotechnology.
• Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, IR Iran:
  • Headed by Dr. Reza Dehghan, this department works on animal biology, focusing on conservation, sustainable use of natural resources, and related research in biotechnology.
• Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII):
  • With prominent figures such as Dr. Shohreh Ariaeenejad and Dr. Ghasem Hosseini Salekdeh, this institute engages in biotechnological research and innovations aimed at improving agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable farming practices.

Scientific International Collaboration

To expand its global outreach, the University of Tehran is engaging in joint research and interdisciplinary studies focusing on molecular and cellular diabetes, and oxidative stress research with various international partners. These collaborative projects aim to address critical global health issues.

• France:

  • Collaboration with Professor T. Haertle, INRA, Nantes, France, has resulted in research projects like the "Beneficial Protective Role of Endogenous Lactic Acid Bacteria Against Mycotic Contamination of Honeybee Beebread," published in Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins.

• Italy:

  • Joint studies with Professor L. Saso from Sapienza University of Rome have produced a wealth of research in oxidative stress, its role in neurodegenerative diseases, and its connection to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Notable works include papers on oxidative stress modulation, systems approaches to pharmacogenomics, and the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating major depression.

  • These collaborations have been highly productive, generating numerous publications such as "Oxidative Stress: A Key Modulator in Neurodegenerative Diseases," and studies exploring the applications of NRF2 inhibitors in cancer therapy, as well as the development of pharmacogenomic knowledge resources for precision medicine.

• India:

  • Professor F. Ahmad from the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, is involved in diabetes research with the University of Tehran, focusing on molecular approaches to understanding and treating the disease.

• Armenia, Yerevan:

  • Professor Sinerik Ayrapetyan, from the UNESCO Chair-Life Sciences International Postgraduate Educational Center, Yerevan, Armenia, leads collaborations with the University of Tehran under the UNESCO/UNITWIN Interregional Network on PhD Education and Research in biophysics, biotechnology, and environmental health. This partnership supports the involvement of the University of Tehran in PhD education and research on these vital topics across the network.

In Conclusion

The University of Tehran's strategic collaborations with national and international academic institutions highlight its commitment to advancing research and education in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The partnerships focus on critical areas like food security, health, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability, addressing pressing global challenges.

1. Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation: Through collaboration with departments in food science, animal biology, and biotechnology, the university contributes to advancements in food safety, agricultural biotechnology, and sustainable use of natural resources.

2. Global Outreach and Joint Research: International collaborations, particularly with institutions in France, Italy, India, and Armenia, allow the University of Tehran to address global health issues like diabetes, oxidative stress, neurodegenerative diseases, and environmental health, contributing to high-impact research and publications.

3. Sustainable Development Focus: The focus on SDGs—particularly goals related to health (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), affordable and clean energy (SDG 7), life on land (SDG 15), peace and justice (SDG 16), and partnerships (SDG 17)—demonstrates the university’s dedication to sustainability and global well-being.

The extensive network of collaborations enhances the university’s role in contributing to scientific knowledge and solutions that support both local and global development goals.