Cooperation between the Geological Survey of Iran (GSI) and the China Geological Survey (CGS) Was Launched

Iran and China begin consultations for research cooperation in the fields of water and energy.

Iran and China begin consultations for research cooperation in the fields of water and energy.

The Geological Survey of Iran announced its readiness to participate in the preparation and presentation of joint research projects with the China Geological Survey in the areas of water and energy.

Following the proposal of the CGS to develop research cooperation with GSI, a joint webinar between the two organizations focusing on examining the fields of collaboration in  2026 joint research program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and Iran National Science Foundation (INSF) took place on Monday, August 10th, 2026.

During this meeting, considering the scientific and specialized capacities existing in  GSI, the suggested topics for co-working in the given fields were presented, so that after review and prioritization by the Chinese side, the final topic of the proposal would be determined and the stages of formulating a joint research plan would commence.

Among the proposed topics of the Geological Survey of Iran for joint cooperation in this program, the following can be mentioned:

1. The aquifer geometry
2. Modeling deep water reserves in hard formations
3. Monitoring water resource decline and subsidence using artificial intelligence
4. Using artificial intelligence to prepare a land subsidence risk map
5. Modeling geothermal and hydrothermal resources

At this meeting, the representatives of the China Geological Survey also introduced the scientific and research capacities and capabilities of this center and explained the proposed areas of joint cooperation in the field of water and energy. This area is one of the priority areas of the joint program of NSFC and INSF in 2026.

Furthermore, as to the nature and framework of the research project in question, it was decided the Research Institute for the Earth Sciences (RIES) would participate in the implementation of this project as a scientific partner of the GSI as well.

This meeting was held with the presence of the Deputy of Geology, the Director of Research Institute for the Earth Sciences (RIES) and other managers of the Geological Survey of Iran, and with the efforts of the International Affairs Department of the GSI on behalf of the Islamic Republic of Iran. On the Chinese side, in attendance were the Deputy Director of the Xi'an Center of the China Geological Survey, the Director of the Water Resources and Hydrogeology Department, and a group of specialists and experts of the Xi'an Center.

As per the agreement reached, it was decided after official correspondence, the necessary coordination would be made to determine the final topic, research team, and scientific officials of the project from both sides. The final topic of the project will be selected by taking into account the scientific and research priorities of the Chinese side, the specialized capacities of both organizations, and the requirements of the NSFC-INSF joint program, and a joint proposal will be formulated based on that.

This cooperation can be taken as an effective step towards developing scientific and research interactions between the GSI and the CGS and pave the way for the implementation of joint and long-term projects in the strategic areas of water, energy, and earth sciences.