Further development of the scientific ties has been bolstered by a new memorandum of understanding between the Austrian Academy of Sciences (OeAW) and the Iranian Institute for Political and International Studies (IPIS), which was signed as part of the Iranian state visit to Austria by IPIS president Seyed Kazem Sajjadpour and OeAW president Anton Zeilinger at the Academy on 4 July 2018. With the agreement the Academy further strengthens its international collaboration in science and research. Up-to-date the OeAW has bilateral arrangements with over 60 partner institutions around the globe.

The agreement with IPIS aims at increasing visits by researchers from the Academy to Iran and by Iranian researchers to Austria. It also provides the OeAW’s Institute of Iranian Studies access to sources on Austro-Iranian history in Iranian libraries and archives. Research findings will be presented to the public and the scientific community in jointly organized exhibitions, symposia and workshops.

A first impression of the manifold contacts in the sciences, as well as in diplomacy and culture, provides a current exhibition in the assembly hall of the OeAW. Following the opening ceremony on July 4 with Iranian foreign minister Mohammed Jawad Sarif and Austrian foreign minister Karin Keissl, until 18 July visitors can form a picture of the diverse ties between Austria and Iran. The exhibition includes copies of select writings from archives in both countries; entry is free during OeAW opening hours (Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm).