The project "Russia and Iran: Islamic finance and energy cooperation"

Collaborative scientific-applied research in Russian-Iranian student groups "Russia and Iran: Islamic finance and energy cooperation" is being implemented for the first time in 2020/2021 academic year by the School of International Regional Studies of the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs, National Research University Higher School of Economics (Russian Federation) (hyperlink) in cooperation with the University of Tehran (Iran).

At the beginning of the XXI century, the interest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) increased. Trade and economic ties with the countries of this region are growing, which makes it particularly important to the in-depth study of features of Islamic finance and the vectors of cooperation in the energy sector.

This project aims to strengthen the scientific interaction between Russia and Iran in the name of science and prosperity.  Our first step is to carry out an international student research project on Islamic finance and energy in partnership with colleagues from the University of Tehran. Working together will broaden the knowledge of all students and sharpen their research skills by establishing sustainable contact in education, as well as conducting joint field research. The project will help strengthen international academic ties and provide students with experience in conducting international research projects.

Implementation of this project may lead to creation of advanced level specialists for cooperation with business structures of Iran and other MENA countries in the field of energy and finance with profound knowledge of regional specifics.

During the project, there will be collaborative work on two research areas in the Russian-Iranian student groups:

1. Islamic finance
2. Energy cooperation

In the framework of the project, participants will conduct a literature review on the proposed issues; attend a unique, comprehensive course of lectures from teachers of the National Research University Higher School of Economics and the University of Tehran; conduct a field study; make a presentation on the selected areas of research and prepare publications.

As a result of the project, an international online conference will be held. Russian and Iranian students will present the outcomes of their research to a group of respected scientists and experts.