International and Scientific Cooperation Office (ISCO)
University of Maragheh
Introduction
The International and Scientific Cooperation Office (ISCO) at the University of Maragheh serves as the primary bridge connecting the university with the global scientific community. It plays a pivotal role in internationalizing the university, fostering cross-border collaborations, and attracting international students. The office is dedicated to enhancing the university's international academic standing, facilitating scientific and cultural exchanges, and creating a robust platform for joint research partnerships with prestigious institutions worldwide.
Director
The office is led by Dr. Mohammad Reza Morshedloo, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh. He was appointed as the Director of International and Scientific Cooperation by the President of the University of Maragheh.
Dr. Morshedloo holds a Ph.D. in Horticultural Sciences from the University of Tabriz and is a faculty member of the Department of Horticultural Science. His research focuses on medicinal plants, environmental stresses, and biotechnology. He was selected as the Province's Distinguished Researcher in 2022 and, in 2024, was named among the top 1% of the world's most cited scientists in the field of agricultural sciences.
With over 35 scientific articles published in reputable international journals and a strong h‑index, Dr. Morshedloo has a proven record of research collaborations with both domestic and foreign universities, significantly contributing to the university's international outreach.
Staff
The International and Scientific Cooperation Office benefits from a team of experienced and dedicated professionals who manage all matters related to international students and cross-border scientific collaborations. The team includes:
- Dr. Mohammad Reza Morshedloo – Director
- Expert staff in the fields of international student admission, consular affairs, international scientific cooperation, and administrative support
Duties and Responsibilities
The office pursues a comprehensive set of objectives to enhance the university's internationalization, including:
1. Developing International Scientific Cooperation:
- Expanding scientific and research interactions with reputable universities and research centers worldwide
- Signing memoranda of understanding with foreign universities and following up on previous agreements
- Managing foreign correspondence and facilitating cross-border collaborations
2. Attracting and Supporting International Students:
- Facilitating the admission process for non‑Iranian students and providing targeted welfare services
- Handling consular affairs, including residence permits, visa extensions, and related matters
- Offering educational and cultural support to international students
3. Enhancing the University's Academic Standing:
- Improving the university's international rankings through cross‑border collaborations
- Encouraging faculty to publish in high‑impact international journals and participate in global conferences
4. Facilitating Academic Exchanges:
- Organizing joint workshops, lectures, and training courses with international faculty
- Hosting scientific lectures in English with distinguished domestic and foreign professors
5. Scientific Diplomacy:
- Contributing to Iran's scientific diplomacy by expanding academic relations with regional countries
- Creating opportunities for faculty and student exchanges with reputable global universities
6. Managing Grants and Study Opportunities:
- Disseminating information on and following up international research grants
- Facilitating study leave and scientific missions for faculty and students abroad
Achievements and Performance
Key accomplishments of the office include:
- International Student Recruitment: The university has admitted 480 international students in the current academic year, with the majority coming from Iraq and Pakistan. So far, 264 have graduated.
- Consular Office: The university hosts a dedicated consular office to continuously handle student residence, visa extensions, and other consular services.
- International MoUs: The University of Maragheh has signed cooperation agreements with 12 international universities from Italy, Azerbaijan, Turkey, the Republic of Cyprus, and others, including a notable partnership with Bahauddin Zakariya University in Pakistan.
- Scientific Events: The office organizes scientific lectures in English with distinguished professors and has signed a cooperation agreement with the Maragheh University of Medical Sciences to expand academic and research interactions.
- International Memberships: The office has secured the university's membership in various international scientific networks and associations, paving the way for broader global collaboration.
Vision
Relying on its scientific capabilities and international experience, the International and Scientific Cooperation Office aims to transform the University of Maragheh into a regional hub for international scientific excellence. The office remains committed to providing a dynamic and supportive environment for global academic exchange and collaboration.
Contact Information
| Item | Details |
| Director | Dr. Mohammad Reza Morshedloo (Associate Professor) |
| Phone | +98 41 37276068 (Ext. 211) |
| Email | morshedloo@maragheh.ac.ir , intercoop@maragheh.ac.ir |
| Website | https://int.maragheh.ac.ir |
| Address | University of Maragheh, Amirkabir Highway, Postal Code: 83111 - 55181 |
| Google Scholar | https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=778Os1AAAAAJ&hl=en |
