Iran to launch most advanced National Primate Laboratory this year

Iran is set to officially launch its most advanced research facility for primate studies later this year, according to the head of the Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR).

ACECR President Ali Montazeri said on Wednesday that the National Primate Laboratory, known by its acronym "PRIMA," will operate under the direct supervision of ACECR and be managed by the Royan Institute as an international scientific and research hub.

"The center will serve as an international hub, meaning that the necessary infrastructure will be provided for researchers and scientists from other countries to conduct their scientific activities here," Montazeri was quoted as saying by Tasnim News Agency.

The laboratory has been established under a resolution approved as part of Iran's Comprehensive Scientific Map and is expected to support research in neuroscience, brain-inspired artificial intelligence, neurally controlled prosthetics and robotics, as well as the development of advanced therapies for neurological disorders.

Montazeri said the complex has been designed as a comprehensive research campus equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, a specialized library, and residential facilities for domestic and international researchers.

"About 95 percent of the project's construction has been completed, with only minor work remaining. We hope the center will be officially inaugurated later this year," he said.

He added that the opening had been delayed due to the US-Israeli aggression against Iran, noting that the facility would have already become operational under normal circumstances.

"Unfortunately, the special wartime conditions in the region caused delays in our plans. Otherwise, the center would have already been inaugurated. We are hopeful it will certainly open this year," Montazeri said.

The ACECR chief said the laboratory is intended to reduce Iranian researchers' reliance on foreign research facilities while attracting scientists from around the world to conduct collaborative research in Iran.

"The scientific design of this center is aimed at changing the paradigm of dependence on foreign laboratories. Instead of Iranian researchers having to leave the country to carry out scientific projects, this center will enable international researchers to come to our country for advanced research," he said.

According to Montazeri, all laboratory equipment has already been procured. Although ACECR made the initial investment, he said the facility is a national project financed through the country's public budget.

Last month, President Masoud Pezeshkian, who also chairs Iran's Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, formally notified the council's resolution establishing the National Primate Laboratory. Under the resolution, the laboratory will operate as a national scientific and research center affiliated with ACECR and administered by the Royan Institute.

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