Razi University

Kermanshah is one of the largest cities in western Iran. This pleasant city, with nearly one million population, is the ninth most populated city in Iran. This ancient city, the history of civilization in which dates back to more than 5500 years ago, is considered the largest Kurdish city in Iran. It is the capital of Kermanshah province, which houses several centers of higher education. Razi University of Kermanshah, which is named in honor of the great Iranian scientist, Mohammad Zakariyya Razi, is considered one of the largest and oldest universities in Kermanshah Province.

Who was Zakariyya Razi?

Abu Bakr Mohammad ibn Zakariyya Razi was an Iranian philosopher, physician, and alchemist who is world-renowned for the discovery of alcohol, sulfuric acid, and kerosene. He has also left behind several works in astronomy and mathematics.

To honor this great Iranian scholar, his birthdate, i.e. August 27, has been named as “Pharmacist Day” in Iran. Also, several scientific and academic centers, pharmaceutical industrial units, and research laboratories have been named after “Razi”.

The History of Razi University

The idea of establishing a university in the city of Kermanshah dates back to 1948 but this university officially started its activities in January 1973 as “Kermanshahan University of Sciences” and it was two years later that it was renamed “Razi University”.

The first president of this university, Abdul-Ali Guya, had studied atomic physics in France. The first batch of students of Razi University of Kermanshah, whose number stood at 200, were admitted in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. With the inclusion of the Kermanshah Faculty of Medicine, Sanandaj Teacher Training Faculty, and Ilam Faculty of Animal Husbandry, the structure of this university expanded. However, after the Revolution, these three centers were separated from Razi University and were transformed into “Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences”, “University of Kurdistan”, and “Ilam University” respectively.

Educational Structure

As the top university of the province, the number of faculty members this university stands at about 450 and more than 11,000 students are undergoing their higher education at this university in three levels: undergraduate (about 7500 people), postgraduate (about 4500 people) and doctorate (about 1200 people) levels.

50 educational groups of this university function in the form of the following 9 faculties:

1. Social Sciences

2. Physical education

3. Chemistry

4. Sciences

5. Literature

6. Technical

7. Agricultural Science and Engineering

8. Agriculture and Natural Resources

9. Veterinary

Research Activities

Razi University publishes 23 specialized journals, eight of which are in English and 15 in Farsi.

In order to complete the chain of research to production, this university has established the “Entrepreneurship and Communication with Industry” Center. The growth center of this university has also been active since 2007 in the field of economic and technological development. This center supports the knowledge-based activities of academic and non-academic entrepreneurs. Agriculture, information technology, and engineering sciences are among the fields that this center is engaged in supporting their fledgling units. So far, four technology events have been held in this center - which has 15 technology groups - with the aim of discovering and supporting the best ideas in different fields.

International Status and Activities of Razi University

To expand international activities and conclude educational and research MOUs with universities and scientific and research centers of different countries, an office named “International Cooperation” has been established at Razi University. The “International Students Unit” of this center has been operating since 2012 and makes calls for international students admission every year and admits the applicants who can get top ranks based on the announced criteria.

The scientific and research progress of this university in recent years has resulted in its rise internationally. In the 2012 ISC Ranking, Razi University was ranked 13th among Iranian universities by acquiring a H-Index of 112.