Appreciation from the Minister of Science for the Public Relations Departments of the Higher Education System for their Responsible Efforts
May 20, 2026
The Minister of Science, Research and Technology, in a meeting with the heads of public relations of universities, science and technology parks, and educational and research institutions of the country, while congratulating World Communications Day, appreciated the "silent, unobtrusive, and responsible" efforts of public relations professionals in universities.
According to the Public Relations of the Ministry of Science, Dr. Hossein Simaei, in a meeting with the heads of public relations of universities, science and technology parks, and educational and research institutions of the country, while congratulating World Communications Day, appreciated the "silent, unobtrusive, and responsible" efforts of public relations professionals in universities and said: In the difficult days of the second and third imposed wars, many friends in public relations in universities and science and technology parks, despite all the limitations and difficulties, actively produced content and narrative and worked to preserve Iran, preserve the system, and uphold values.
The Minister of Science, Research and Technology expressed hope that the fruit of this national unity and solidarity would be accompanied by the definitive victory of the valiant fighters.
Dr. Simaei, referring to the complex conditions of the country, added: Today, we are simultaneously in several different wars; an economic war that began in 1358 and is now in its most difficult stage, a military war in which the Iranian nation has repeatedly stood against the enemy and today we are witnessing one of the greatest confrontations, and also a media war.
He stated: In the military arena, we were able to thwart several countries and regional coalitions that had come to the field with the aim of dismembering Iran and overthrowing the system, but the main question is how we have acted in the media war and to what extent we have been successful in this field.
The Minister of Science, emphasizing that the media is not just a tool for information dissemination, stated: The media today is a "communication path," not just the publication of news. Every narrative that is published by the media is not just a message sent; rather, it enters into an interaction with public opinion, and this doubles its responsibility for the social consequences of each narrative and each word.
He continued: In producing and publishing any news, all its potential consequences must be considered; even the worst interpretation that may be made of a text. Perhaps a piece of news is published with good and benevolent intentions, but it is formulated in such a way that, instead of creating unity, it creates misunderstanding and division. For this reason, improving media literacy for professionals in this field is a serious necessity.
In another part of his speech, Dr. Simaei, emphasizing the need to restore authority to university media, said: We must ask ourselves whether the official websites and channels of universities have authority today or not? Sometimes an unofficial student channel is more attractive and trustworthy for students than the official university media because it responds to the needs of the audience faster and more realistically, while the official media only publishes ceremonial news or promotes managers.
He added: In contrast, however, a professor who, in the midst of difficulties and even in an unsafe and damaged environment at Sharif University, does not cancel the class and continues to teach, that same human and real narrative, without the need for official advertising, becomes a global news.
The Minister of Science also, referring to the responsibility of universities in promoting science, stated: University media should be "science media." We must examine how many people refer to the websites of the country's universities to receive scientific news and analysis. If such authority does not exist, it means that we have not yet succeeded in promoting science.
He added: One of the main functions of university media is to help publicize science and show the role of the university in people's daily lives.
He continued: Today, a significant part of society is not even aware of what services the country's universities provide in the fields of industry, energy, oil, and gas. Just as there was support for the front during the Sacred Defense, today universities also play the role of supporting the front for the country and play a direct role in solving problems and advancing national affairs.
Dr. Simaei, at the end of his speech, referring to the importance of expertise in the field of media, noted: In recent months, sometimes some carelessness in publishing news has created costs for the university and the Ministry of Science. While many great services and efforts may not be seen, a media error can quickly become widespread.
He emphasized: Media activity is a completely specialized job, and good intentions alone are not enough. In the words of the people of wisdom, only good agency and good motivation are not fruitful, good action and correct action are also necessary. We must produce accurate, low-profile, persuasive, and constructive content by improving media literacy that lays the groundwork for dialogue, positive impact, and strengthening social cohesion.
Address of the photo report of the Public Relations of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology from the meeting of the Minister of Science and the heads of public relations of the country's universities:
