Honors and Awards
Iranian Association For Popularization of science (IAPS), Tooran Mirhadi Award
The Iran Science Promotion Award, established in 2001 by the Board of Directors of the Iran Science Promotion Association, aims to recognize the efforts of science promoters and stimulate public engagement to foster scientific understanding and thought in society. Annually, the Association holds the Science Promotion Award ceremony to honor individuals or organizations that have demonstrated outstanding and impactful initiatives in popularizing science, advancing scientific thought and culture throughout Iran, and applying scientific knowledge across various aspects of social life. In 2021, I had the honor of receiving the 21st Iran Science Promotion Award, specifically one of the awards named after Tooran Mirhadi. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting science among young generations in Iran. I received this prize in recognition of my continuous, purposeful, and innovative efforts in teaching astronomy to children and helping to popularize science. As a result, I was acknowledged with the Science Promotion Award named after the esteemed promoter of children's literature, Tooran Mirhadi. I am proud to be the youngest recipient in the history of this award. Utilizing digital technologies and tools, our project impacts not only children but also educators and parents. We have published hundreds of educational essays covering diverse subjects and methods, held numerous online workshops, and provided access to podcasts and videos. Our efforts have bridged the gap between the academic community and young learners, giving children the opportunity to meet scientists and connect with major facilities worldwide. The project experienced significant growth during the pandemic, as online education became more widespread. Over the years, more than 10,000 children from around the world have joined our programs. Today, hundreds of students from over 50 countries are actively participating in our online classes. In 2022, the Kargahe Setare Project was presented at the European Space Agency and at the University of Toronto in 2023, receiving excellent feedback from audiences. Despite our achievements, we recognize that there is still much to be done. We are committed to continuing our efforts to inspire young generations globally, fostering a better understanding of the wonders of the cosmos and making the universe a better place.
Cheragh Prize: Science Promoter of the Year Award
The promoters of science are like lonely warriors, fighting against ignorance and superstition in the heart of darkness. They dedicate their lives, names, and reputations to light a lamp in the night, hoping to guide the way toward scientific development until the dawn of enlightenment. The "Cheragh Prize" is a small token of gratitude to these champions of knowledge and a beacon for those embarking on the long and winding journey of science promotion. The Science Promoter of the Year Award recognizes an individual, group, or institution that has made significant, innovative, and effective contributions to promoting science within Iranian society over the past year. This commendable effort must foremost demonstrate scientific accuracy and precision. Additionally, the award values the educational impact, novelty, and overall influence of the work. In 2023, I had the honor of receiving the Science Promoter of the Year Award. This recognition was bestowed upon me for my lifelong passion for astronomy, which has driven me to educate countless children and teenagers in Iran and around the world about the wonders of the sky and astronomy. My dedication to continuous learning and teaching has had a profound impact.