More than a quarter of century of excellence in research, clinical care, and education

Since its inception and foundation in 1993, every year has witnessed remarkable advancements and outstanding achievements in research, professional and public education, and patient care at the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute (EMRI) of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) [1]. Today, we are proudly celebrating 25^th anniversary of the establishment of EMRI, and we are contented that have made a difference in academic output and clinical service delivery in the country. The major milestones which have formed our constructive past are presented in details in a manuscript entitled “Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute from inception to maturity: an overview of 25-year activity” which is published in this supplementary issue. Indeed, these milestones and other remarkable achievements which we have probably failed to mention have sculpted the shape of our organization during a quarter of century history of endeavor and excellence.

Throughout the history of science, most successful academies have developed and proliferated in a gradual manner, and so did the EMRI. We have a long history which commenced in 1993 when our founder, Professor Bagher Larijani, officially formed the Institute. Today, proud of our successful past, we are determined to change the scientific outlook of our beloved country. During all those past years, important scientific advancements have been attained at the EMRI, and, today, our Institute has obtained great global prestige in medical research, education, and clinical care. Half a century ago, Iran used to produce little, if any, of the global scientific products. Today, thanks to commitment, professionalism, and dedication of Iranian scientist, Iran is a main producer of knowledge in the Region and the world. This is a monumental achievement in a country universally glorified for its ancient contribution to advancement of science, literature, and technology. This attainment has been realized through commitment and relentless efforts of Iranian scientist at Iranian research institutes like the EMRI.

Twenty-five years is ample time to reflect progress of an academy. At this stage of the development of a scientific institution, the initial founders and academic staff are still productive, and ample time has passed for achievements and shortcomings to surface. As elaborated in details in the aforementioned article in this supplement, during the first decade of its formation and proliferation, EMRI successfully recruited and employed motivated and talented researchers and human resources. Soon afterwards, the preliminary physical space was formed, and research activities commenced. At the same time, clinical care for patients with diabetes and osteoporosis was also provided, and two diabetes clinics affiliated to the Institute were founded. These developments were mostly funded by generous donations from Iranian NGOs and charity organizations. It should be noted that such multifaceted approach to research, education, and clinical care is unique in Iran. The next decade witnessed further development of physical space, procurement of cutting-edge instruments, and expansion of educational activities through training PhD students and endocrinology fellows. This combination of competent faculty, students, and human resources allowed us to create a unique multidisciplinary complex for research, education, and clinical care with impressive achievements in a short period of time. For instance, the Institute soon became the highest-ranking medical research institute in Iran, a distinction which continued for several consecutive years. Another milestone was the Institute’s being designated as a WHO Collaborating Center, amongst other collaborations with prestigious international organizations such as International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), American College of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). In fact, over the past 25 years, we have endeavored to stretch ourselves beyond our own expectations and limits. Today, the EMRI is “home” to many PhD graduates, fellows, and researchers, many of them being distinguished scholars in their fields of research. During all these years, we have been successful in recruiting talented individuals and providing them with the educational opportunities they deserved. We have also expanded our educational activities all across the country through training a group of elite educators and nurses who regularly travel to different provinces and train local care providers. Moreover, we have formed several national research networks though forging collaboration amongst research institutes with similar interests in different cities of Iran. Today, these national networks have created an excellent opportunity for multi-center research to be carried out in a synchronized manner under strong leadership of the EMRI managers.

The EMRI is particularly renowned for its innovative multidisciplinary approach to diabetes care. Foundation of two diabetes specialty clinics affiliated to the EMRI have provided the opportunity of amalgamating diabetes care and research in an effective manner, thereby promoting translational medicine and bench-to-bedside research. In these cutting-edge multidisciplinary clinics, virtually all services required for a comprehensive approach to diabetes care such as nutrition, ophthalmology, psychiatry, podiatry, Doppler sonography are provided.

Today, research, education, and training provided at the EMRI are universally hailed as being of a high quality and standards. Nonetheless, research is a dynamic enterprise, and whilst proud of our past achievements, we are continually evolving to meet future challenges and demands of our country, the Region, and the world.

Declarations

Conflict of interests

The authors declare none.