Jundi Shapur University of Technology, Dezful

Jundi Shapur was one of the world’s birthplaces of knowledge and wisdom which is a source of national pride for Iranians. About 1800 years ago several centers of higher education were founded in this land one of the most important of which was the “Academy of Jundi Shapur” established in the third century AD where, in addition to medicine, philosophy, theology, and science were also taught.

History of the Jundi Shapur University of Technology

Given the current population of Dezful (circa. 500,000), the second most populated city of Khuzestan province, the blueprint for building the Industrial College of Dezful was laid in the spring of 1972 and in the wake of the then Jundi Shapur University of Ahvaz comprehensive plan to establish a college in Dezful. The organizational structure of the college was charted out in 1976 and it was approved that this college would comprise four faculties, i.e. the faculties of Engineering, Sciences, Agriculture, and Medicine. It was in 1977 that this college started its activities. Following the invasion of Iran by Iraqi forces in 1980 activities of the college came to a halt and during the eight years of imposed war on Iran, this college was considered a center for treating the people who were injured in the war.

In 1988, this college resumed its activities and began admitting students in two majors; Mechanical engineering and Civil engineering at the associate degree level. Four years later, the field of "Mechanical Machinery" was also started in the associate degree. In 2006, after an increase in the number of its students and departments, the status of this college was upgraded to that of a university.

Presently, more than two thousand students pursue their higher education at the Jundi Shapur University of Technology in five faculties "Electricity and Computers", "Civil Engineering", "Mechanics", "Architecture and Urban Planning", and "Basic Sciences" and two educational groups "Chemical Engineering" and "Islamic Knowledge". This university is considered one of the top technical universities in Iran.

Research Activities of Jundi Shapur University of Technology

Three research centers function at this university: "Jundi Shapur Research Center", "Food Nanobiotechnology Research Center" and "Water, Energy, and Environment Research Center". Jundi Shapur Research Center engages in conducting research projects in accordance with the goals of the university. The Nanobiotechnology Center is also working to strengthen the agricultural and food industries of the province with two research groups "Nanobiotechnology of Food" and "Plant Improvement and Molecular Agriculture". The main specialty of the Water, Energy, and Environment Research Institute is to carry out research based on the needs of the region. The presence of dams such as Dez, Karkheh, Gotvand, and Shahid Abbaspur has made the research projects of this center very vital for the survival of the energy production industries and the water resources in the region. Water resource management, renewable energy, renewable energies, modern technologies of energy production, energy use in agriculture and industry, and waste management are among the subjects on which this institute conducts research.

Keeping in view the existence of various industries in Khuzestan province, Jundi Shapur University of Technology has established an office "Entrepreneurial Management, Growth and Interaction with Industry". This office is responsible for supporting research projects and innovative ideas by planning applied research based on the needs of industries. The conclusion of scientific and research memorandums of understanding with related industries and organizations is one of the responsibilities of this office.

"Entrepreneurship Center" is another active center at Jundi Shapur University of Technology, the main goal of which is to support university graduates in founding research-based businesses. This center helps graduates by providing strategic advice in this field and financial support for innovative ideas.

Jundi Shapur University of Dezful has provided the required facilities and foreseen the needed arrangements for admitting non-Iranian students. Concluding memorandums of understanding of understanding with the scientific and educational centers of neighboring countries for admitting non-Iranian students is one of the measures taken by this university to internationalize its educational activities. In order to manage its relations with foreign universities, this university has also founded a “Center International Affairs". The proximity of Jundi Shapur University of Dezful to international borders is one of the advantages of this university.