Iran pays tribute to UNESCO Avicenna Prize laureate

On 23 May 2016, the Iranian Ministry of Science, Research and Technology paid tribute to Pakistani scientist Prof. Dr. Zabta Khan Shinwari – the 2015 laureate of the UNESCO Avicenna Prize for Ethics in Science, AVA Diplomatic reports.

Established in 2003 by the Executive Board of UNESCO at its 166th session on the initiative of the Islamic Republic of Iran, this Prize, awarded every two years, is intended to reward the activities of individuals and groups in the field of ethics in science.

By thus promoting ethical reflection on issues raised by advances in science and technology, it is expected to help significantly to increase international awareness and highlight the importance of ethics in science.

Prof. Shinwari received the Prize in recognition of his scientific and education work in biotechnology, biosafety, and biosecurity. It also rewards his contribution to advancing the social responsibility of science and his work to promote the participation of indigenous peoples and women in science, including his defense of the intellectual property rights of indigenous groups.

“Without a doubt, your invaluable attempts and ceaseless endeavours in science and in the field of ethics in biotechnology and empowering local communities to use their natural resources and biodiversity for the sustainable development of your country, is an exemplary and encouraging endeavor for all scientists across the world, and for the Muslim nations in particular”, said Dr. Farhadi, Minister of Science Research and Technology in his welcoming remarks.

Ms. Esther Kuisch Laroche, Director and Representative of the UNESCO Tehran Cluster Office talked about the significance of the Avicenna Prize: “At UNESCO we believe that this award is very important, because we need science that is founded on ethics and human rights”, she said. “To move forward, we must combine progress with high standards of responsible research, with scientific integrity, and with risk management for societies and nature. This calls for well-informed leaders and public opinion, where all are included in making decisions on vital issues for human life and for enlightened scientists and scientific educators, working and communicating in a transparent way. Professor Shinwari has played an exemplary role in this regard throughout his illustrious career.”

The Avicenna Prize consists of a gold medal of Avicenna along with a certificate and the sum of $10,000, which Professor Shinwari has donated entirely to research in his native Pakistan.

In addition, the Prize includes a one-week academic visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is to include the delivery of speeches in the relevant academic gatherings, organized for this purpose by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In this context, Professor Shinwari is currently in Tehran and will also deliver lectures at the Universities of Isfahan and Shiraz.