Dr. Mahdi Zolfaghari, the Head of Iran Language Institute, expressed his pleasure in attending the “Research Day” celebration and identified himself as a researcher. He stated, “Since joining this esteemed institute, I have always considered myself a researcher, with a strong passion for research. Even if I were to leave this institute, I would still continue pursuing research.”
According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of Iran Language Institute, Dr. Zolfaghari said, “I take pride in having colleagues and friends like you. I consider you to be a capable and valuable group, and I hope that these types of meetings and programs in this field will continue. To strengthen the identity and structure we have built, it is essential to hold these discussions and gatherings regularly.”
Dr. Zolfaghari continued, “The purpose of these sessions and programs is to achieve tangible and practical results that benefit us. Perhaps our main distinction from universities lies in this very aspect. Universities and research centers primarily focus on theorizing, whereas we are directly connected to society. Our actions, your teaching methods, and so on have a direct and measurable impact on our audience. This is perhaps the most significant aspect of our work.”
He further stated, “At Iran Language Institute, if we have spent time and undertaken tasks, we have always ensured to measure and evaluate the outcomes. In other words, we have not engaged in futile efforts. Our activities may not have been perfect and may have faced criticism, but if we do not identify our shortcomings, others will point them out. Therefore, we are compelled to work on various fronts and in different fields.”
Dr. Zolfaghari remarked, “We have a challenging path ahead and are enduring greater pressures compared to previous periods. For instance, it would have been much easier for us to continue doing what had been done before, but we pursued and obtained Resolution 1026 from the Supreme Council of Education. We require structural reforms, which are time-consuming. However, the mere awareness created within this system, making it difficult for others to undermine it, demonstrates that we are moving forward.”
The Head of Iran Language Institute added, “Aside from our educational responsibilities, such as correcting the testing system, improving teaching methods, updating educational resources, producing supplementary materials, and so on, I feel that we are capable of achieving much more. For example, we should focus on structural processes. We have made significant efforts in this area, and the results are evident. Iran Language Institute used to think locally, but now it must think internationally.”
Referring to the successful organization of educational webinars at Iran Language Institute and the increased audience engagement each semester, Dr. Zolfaghari stated, “Part of this progress requires your determination. Determination means creating dialogue around these topics. We need to discuss the achievements presented here and take the organization of specialized courses seriously. If something good has happened within this institute, it is because of you. It is necessary to create suitable spaces for discussions and raise awareness, which will elevate the level of intellectual engagement among colleagues beyond its current state.”
He emphasized the importance of improving the grading system, creating consistency, centralizing and executing activities effectively, maintaining broad-mindedness and patience in significant actions, and fostering interdepartmental collaboration.