Background

It is an established fact that a strong scientific and technological base today is quite essential for the economic development of a country. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, there was in the country a growing concern about the the development of Science and Technology.

 In 1987, the leading Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology IROST, affiliated to the ministry of Science, Research and Technology, decided to institute an award which acknowledges the Iranian outstanding achievements in the field of Science and Technology.

IROST proposed the creation of the Khwarizmi Award in memory of Abu Jafar Mohammad Ibn Mousa Khwarizmi, the great Iranian Mathematician and Astronomer(770-840 C.E).

The first session of the Khwarizmi Award, in 1987, called for Iranian nationals to present their outstanding contribution, invention or innovation.

 The fifth session of the Khwarizmi Award saw the creation of the foreign section and the Khwarizmi Award became international.

 By 1997, the Iranian researchers and scientists expatriates are invited to take part in this prestigious scientific competition.

 At the 10th KIA Session, International Organizations are invited to support the KIA and today, many of them are doing willingly by allocating special prizes to the KIA Laureates:

 WIPO, UNESCO, IFIA, COMSTECH, COMSATS, TWAS, ISESCO,WAITRO.

 Year by year, the area of participation in the KIA is extending, attracting more scientists from all over the world. Today, the Khwarizmi International Award is continuing to pursue its successful course with more participation and more international recognition.