Ehsan Arefian, the secretary of the Development of Cultural and Soft Technologies Department at the Iranian Vice Presidency for Science and Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy said that Iran ranks 1st regionally and 13th globally in the scientific production of stem cells and regenerative medicine.

According to The Iran Project, Arefian pointed out that according to the comprehensive 10-year strategic plan designed by the Development of Cultural and Soft Technologies Department, it has been planned to enhance Iran's global ranking to 10th place in the production of knowledge of stem cells as one of its main goals in the next few years. 

He described the participation of non-governmental sectors, independence and self-sufficiency in all types of cell banks, generation of national wealth and self-reliance in production capability as some of the main goals of Iran's Headquarters for the Development of Regenerative Medicine Technologies and Stem Cells.

"A look at the statistics shows that Iran's knowledge production in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine witnessed a 70% growth since 2020."

Highlighting the fact that the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine is very young compared to many other fields of science and technology in the country,  secretary of the Development of Cultural and Soft Technologies Department added, "Nevertheless, Iran has managed to gain a good status among other countries in the world and the Middle East. Given the advances in the field of stem cells by domestic researchers, Iran is one of the countries spearheading this field."

More than 160 knowledge-based companies are operating in Iran and 21 cell transplantation centers render services to people in this field.