The University of Kashan Benefactors Have Built Approximately 45,000 Square Meters of Educational Space

The University of Kashan Benefactors Have Built Approximately 45,000 Square Meters of Educational Space

The President of the University of Kashan stated that the benefactors of the university, as one of the pioneering institutions, have contributed to the construction of approximately 45,000 square meters, equivalent to about one modern unit of educational, research, and welfare space, including faculties, laboratories, libraries, and student scholarships.

Dr. Soltani, speaking to reporters, referred to the upcoming Festival of Half a Century of Activities at the University of Kashan, to be held from December 8 to 12, and added that a variety of programs will take place at the university next week, including festivals, meetings, and various ceremonies.

He mentioned the administrative council meeting with the presence of the governor and city officials, meetings with industry leaders, retirees, professors, staff, students, and high school students as part of this week’s events. He added that overall, these programs reflect the celebration and commemoration of fifty years of the university's activities through various cultural, scientific, and social events.

Dr. Soltani emphasized that the University of Kashan has engaged in charitable and developmental activities during this period, adding that a 350-square-meter dormitory, with an investment of more than 70 billion Iranian rials by one benefactor, will be implemented this week, and the construction of another married-student dormitory by other benefactors has also begun, which can accommodate approximately 40 married students.

He noted that in terms of scientific indicators, based on the h-index, which measures research activity, the University of Kashan ranks among the top 20 to 30 percent of universities worldwide with an index of 164. This indicates that the University of Kashan holds a significant global position.

Dr. Soltani further stated that this index reflects the quality and impact of research conducted at the university. He added that education and research are the primary missions of the University, and in addition to previous missions, two new missions have been added: promoting entrepreneurship and nurturing enlightened individuals. The goal is for graduates, after completing their studies, to assume responsibilities not only in governmental and private sectors but also to develop culturally and ethically.

He remarked that entrepreneurship in Iranian universities has not yet fully developed. Its main meaning involves value creation and the practical application of knowledge, rather than merely creating jobs. The objective is to transform specialized knowledge into new technologies that can be applied in society. This process requires a method for universities to practically introduce knowledge into markets and new technologies.

He added that this means graduates must possess the skills and cultural awareness necessary to serve their country and society, rather than focusing solely on financial or economic matters. Therefore, the university must provide the facilities and infrastructure to cultivate this development in its graduates.

The author also emphasized the importance of faculty-student interaction and cultural activities. He believes that university resources and facilities should be accessible to students to strengthen their sense of belonging and attachment to the country and the institution. He concluded by stating that he is ready to answer questions and provide further explanations during the discussion.

In another part of his speech, the President of the University of Kashan referred to the internationalization of the university, noting that the university has successfully enrolled a significant number of foreign students, particularly 2,500 Iraqi students, as well as students from Afghanistan and Yemen, who act as cultural ambassadors of Iran in their countries while studying alongside Iranian students.

He mentioned that in this context, memoranda of understanding have been signed with four Iraqi universities to facilitate student and faculty exchange, collaborative research, joint publications, thesis supervision, and the teaching of Persian in Iraqi universities. These agreements aim to expand the University of Kashan’s activities internationally and play a more active role regionally.

Dr. Soltani also addressed the university's challenges and its role in regional and national development, emphasizing the importance of aligning the university’s activities with social, cultural, economic, and regional needs. He added that the university should respond to these needs rather than being limited to education and graduation alone.

He noted that approximately 35,000 graduates have so far left the University of Kashan, most of whom work across the country in various fields. This highlights the university’s significant role in employment and development.

He stressed the importance of the university’s role in solving urban and regional issues, noting that, as in developed countries, universities play an active role in city development. The university should influence all segments of society and address the needs and problems of the population.

Dr. Soltani highlighted the university’s activities in technology and artificial intelligence, noting ongoing development of new software and collaborations with technology parks and knowledge-based companies. He referred to the presence and activity of 37 companies in the University of Kashan’s Science and Technology Park and stated that in the future, technology and knowledge-based companies will be established by graduates and faculty, continuing these efforts sustainably.

He emphasized that turning Kashan into a modern and developed city requires preparing the infrastructure for knowledge-based companies and leveraging the university’s achievements.

Dr. Soltani stated that the University of Kashan is focusing on developing infrastructure, conducting top-tier research, promoting entrepreneurship, and internationalization to move toward a bright and prosperous future and become an entrepreneurial university, a goal pursued through practical and tangible actions rather than slogans.

He added that in the new period, three key indicators are emphasized: fostering a culture of critique and academic freedom, promoting collective decision-making instead of individual or group decisions, and creating a calm and peaceful environment for both students and faculty to carry out educational and research activities effectively. The overall aim of these changes is to enhance the academic, cultural, and practical level of universities to play a more effective role in society and technological advancement.

Dr. Soltani also stated that the University of Kashan, by establishing the Vice-Presidency for Innovation and Economy, is the only university in the country to make entrepreneurship one of its core missions. The goal is for faculty members, in addition to research, to engage in entrepreneurial activities.

He noted that this process requires time, as faculty must become familiar with entrepreneurship, learn its principles, and apply their expertise practically toward commercialization. Over the past year, efforts have been made to shift faculty mindset toward applying their knowledge to create companies in their respective fields. These companies can play a vital role in technology development and, consequently, in the country’s economic growth.

He emphasized that achieving this goal requires faculty to remain active in these newly established companies, as technological and economic development is possible only through this path. Although challenging, with the support provided, this approach is being implemented.

Dr. Soltani added that currently, the Ministry of Science, as a supporting body, has selected the university as a pilot institution in the country. The Vice-Presidency for Innovation and Economy, unlike educational and research vice-presidencies, is managed internally, which ensures effective and independent administration. He expressed hope that this model will be implemented in other universities and play a significant role in technological and economic development nationwide.