Observatory for Atmospheric and Oceanic Parameters Launched at University of Tehran

The Observatory for Atmospheric and Oceanic Parameters at the Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran, was officially inaugurated in the presence of the President of the University.

According to the University of Tehran Public Relations Office, the inauguration ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, with the participation of university officials and faculty members of the Institute of Geophysics. Dr. Mohammad Hosein Omid, President of the University of Tehran, expressed appreciation to those involved in establishing the observatory and described the Institute of Geophysics as one of the country’s leading scientific centers.

Dr. Omid referred to the water crisis as an example of the consequences of inaccurate or deliberately misleading data and emphasized that the solution to national challenges lies in providing accurate scientific information through centers such as this observatory. He stated, “Many of today’s national crises stem from incorrect data.”

He added that the current water crisis is the result of either the absence of reliable data or the dissemination of deliberately inaccurate information in past years, which led to misguided decisions. He noted that University of Tehran faculty had warned over two decades ago about flawed water resource statistics, but incorrect figures were used in policymaking, resulting in today’s critical conditions across much of the country.

Dr. Omid emphasized that observatories and academic centers serve as sharp-eyed advisors to decision-makers. He stated, “The university must take the initiative in offering consultation and not wait for requests from executive bodies.” He also highlighted the government’s openness to academic input and cited solar panel expansion as one area where the Institute of Geophysics could provide scientific guidance.

The Observatory for Atmospheric and Oceanic Parameters was established to strengthen research infrastructure and meet national scientific needs in meteorological and oceanographic fields. All systems of the observatory were designed, implemented, and localized by experts at the Institute of Geophysics. The data generated will serve researchers, students, and various applied sectors including agriculture, transportation, crisis management, oil and gas, and tourism.