Strategic Plan of the Climate Change and Health Research Center, Dezful University of Medical Sciences
Vision:
The Climate Change and Health Research Center of Dezful University of Medical Sciences is recognized as a reputable transnational center in research, innovation, capacity building, and as a reference for supporting the governance processes of climate change and health policies. The ultimate goal of this center is to implement and enhance the general policies for the prevention and reduction of risks from natural disasters and unforeseen incidents (issued by the Supreme Leader in 2005), the Crisis Management Organization Law (issued in 2019), and the Strategic Document for the Development of Water, Drought, Erosion, and Environmental Technologies of the Presidency (issued in 2020), based on conducting appropriate applied research.
Mission:
As the sole research center in the field of climate change and health in the country, the Climate Change and Health Research Center of Dezful University of Medical Sciences strives to prioritize the following pillars as its key responsibilities in the scientific development of the country:
- Developing a platform for research and innovation to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate hazards based on climate-oriented strategies.
- Generating scientific evidence on the consequences of climate change, including floods, droughts, and dust storms.
- Providing scientific solutions for decision-making, policy formulation, and planning to mitigate the health impacts of climate change through the development of inter-university, national, and international collaborations.
- Collecting data and statistics on the consequences of climate change in the region.
- Expanding research to investigate the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases related to climate change, particularly endemic diseases in the region.
- Enhancing and fostering collaboration among research centers nationally and internationally.
- Recruiting, training, and empowering human resources in the field of climate change and health based on meritocracy and utilizing the capabilities of elites.
- Cooperating with the Supreme Council of Health and Food Security of the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education.
Core Values of the Climate Change and Health Research Center
- Upholding human dignity, ethical standards, and safeguarding national interests within all scientific and research initiatives.
- Demonstrating unwavering commitment to duties and maintaining integrity regarding proposed ideas and research.
- Protecting national resources through the prudent and responsible management of research funding.
- Fostering scientific and research competition grounded in ethical principles.
- Cultivating innovation in scientific, research, and technological domains, aligned with national policies and international protocols.
- stablishing the Center as a trusted partner at national, regional, and international levels through collaborative scientific and research endeavors.
Environmental Analysis (SWOT)
The environmental analysis at the Climate Change and Health Research Center of the University serves as a strategic tool for evaluating internal and external factors influencing the Center’s activities. By identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, this analysis assists managers and researchers in formulating effective strategies for activity development, capacity utilization, and challenge mitigation. The primary objective is to enhance the Center’s efficiency and elevate its position in the field of .climate change and health research.
Strengths (S)
- High interest among researchers at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences Environmental Research Institute in collaborating on climate change research.
- Existence of upstream and legal documents on climate change.
- Establishment of the Climate Change Research Center at Dezful University of Medical Sciences and the city of Dezful in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran, as a hotspot region vulnerable to climate change hazards.
- Availability of a suitable geographical and genetic region for laboratory and medical examinations of diseases emerging from climate change.
- Khuzestan Province’s access to a portion of the country’s oil budget (pursuant to Additional Article 42 of the Draft Law on Regulating Rulings for Development Programs).
Weaknesses (W)
- Potential difficulties in recruiting specialized human resources (research experts).
- Shortage of necessary expertise with a health system adaptation approach to climate change within the health system.
- Potential lack of sufficient budget allocation for the Center.
Opportunities (O)
- The sole dedicated research center in the country on climate change and health.
- Various supports from philanthropists and NGOs.
- Government financial support for research centers.
- Relevance of climate change to most specialized disciplines.
- Presence of individuals interested in research on climate change and health.
- Availability of postgraduate programs in health during disasters and emergencies and other related fields in the country’s higher education system.
Threats (T)
- Low research budget.
- Absence of an independent organizational chart.
- Failure to recruit specialized human resources.
- Global perceptions toward Iran.
- Low income for specialists.
- Existence of cumbersome regulations.
- Lack of independence for research centers.
Stakeholder Analysis
A process whereby all individuals, groups, and organizations that directly or indirectly influence, or are influenced by, the activities and decisions of the Climate Change and Health Research Center, such as the Ministry of Health, universities, environmental protection agencies, researchers, and the public, are identified and assessed. The extent of influence, expectations, needs, and the nature of each group's relationship with the Center are then examined to gain a clear understanding of stakeholders' interests and demands. The aim of this analysis is to assist in designing effective strategies for engaging, collaborating, and gaining the support of stakeholders in achieving the Center's research and policy goals, enabling effective communication management to prevent potential conflicts and foster broader synergies in the field of climate change and health.
Strategic Pillars
Strategic pillars serve as the core activities and focus areas of the Climate Change and Health Research Center, providing a comprehensive framework for planning, decision-making, and resource allocation. These pillars highlight the key areas the center should concentrate on to fulfill its mission and achieve long-term goals. Identifying and implementing these pillars enables the center to effectively manage its resources, enhance activity synergies, and take meaningful and effective steps towards its mission of reducing climate change impacts on community health.
• Research and Scientific Production Pillar: Emphasizes the development of fundamental and applied research on the impact of climate change on human health.
• Education and Empowerment Pillar: Focuses on enhancing the knowledge and skills of researchers, students, and relevant personnel.
• Knowledge Translation and Policy Research Pillar: Acts as a bridge between scientific findings and macro-level decision-making.
• International Collaborations Pillar: Dedicated to expanding scientific interactions and experience-sharing with research centers and global organizations.
