Introduction and Formation of the Initial Idea:
With the emergence of nanotechnology as one of the major pillars of transformation in medical and pharmaceutical sciences in recent decades, the need for a focused platform to utilize this knowledge in designing advanced drug delivery systems became increasingly evident. The initial idea for establishing this center emerged in the mid‑2010s through the collaboration of a group of distinguished professors and researchers from the School of Pharmacy at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The primary objective was to move beyond conventional drug delivery methods and develop intelligent technologies capable of targeting diseased tissues (such as cancerous tumors) while minimizing the side effects of therapeutic agents.
Establishment and Preliminary Approval:
Following a period of informal activities carried out through research groups and the publication of valuable scientific articles at the international level, the team succeeded in establishing the necessary laboratory infrastructure. Subsequently, after preparing strategic plans and obtaining approval from the university’s research council, a proposal for the establishment of the center was submitted to the Ministry of Health and Medical Education. In 2014 (1393), the Council for the Expansion of Medical Education granted preliminary approval for the establishment of the Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery Research Center, and the center officially began its activities as an independent research unit.
Development and Expansion Phase:
During the early years, the center focused on equipping specialized laboratories, including facilities for nanosynthesis, instrumental analysis, and cell culture. By attracting talented researchers and graduates in pharmaceutical nanotechnology, biotechnology, and chemistry, the center rapidly increased its scientific output. These achievements ultimately led to the center receiving final approval from the Ministry of Health in 2022 (1401).
Current Status and Achievements:
Today, the Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery Research Center is recognized as one of the leading research centers in the country, benefiting from experienced specialists and advanced research facilities. In addition to producing high‑quality scientific publications in journals with high impact factors, the center has actively entered the field of technology development through patent registration and collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry. These efforts have contributed significantly to the localization of nanodrug technologies and the transformation of scientific knowledge into practical innovations. Moreover, the center serves as an important training hub for young researchers, annually hosting numerous graduate students (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) who conduct research projects and applied theses within its laboratories.
