Damghan University

Damghan University, also written as The University of Damghan (, Danushgah-e Dam'an), is a public university located in the Northwestern region of the city of Damghan in Semnan province, Iran.

Housing almost the entirety of the educational, recreational, and housing facilities, Damghan University’s campus is located in a relatively idle part of town. Moreover, Damghan University’s dormitories are located in the proximity of the rest of the facilities on campus – a majority of which are newly constructed, creating easy access for the students.

Despite being among the younger universities in Iran, factors such as the hosting of a wide variety of majors and minors in the fields of basic sciences, engineering, humanities, and liberal arts, along with the city’s significant cultural, social, and historical milestones have contributed to Damghan University’s considerable academic growth.

History
Damghan University, initially entitled “Damghan School of Basic Sciences” was established in 1988 through public funding, with Aliasghar Naderi as its instigator and president. The academic activities of the school began four years later in 1992, with the enrollment of 35 bachelor’s students in the field of geology. More majors in bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. levels including Teaching of Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Pure Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, General Biology, and Computer Sciences were gradually added in later years. Following the combined efforts of the school management and the administrative offices in the city of Damghan, the promotion of Damghan School of Basic Sciences to Damghan University of Basic Sciences was approved by the Higher Education Development Council on September 10th, 2002.

Damghan University of Basic Sciences was later promoted to Damghan University on April 25th, 2010 with the approval of the Higher Education Development Council. To reflect the promotion, the establishment of three new schools of Engineering, Art, and Humanities was added to the agenda. Damghan University currently houses 8 schools including the School of Earth Sciences, School of Chemistry, School of Physics, School of Biology, School of Humanities, School of Engineering, and School of Art. Today, the University has 172 faculty members, 5423 students in bachelor's, master's, and Ph.D. levels, and 68 majors and minors combined.

According to Iran’s higher education system, Damghan University can be classified as a “public” university, as it receives a majority of its budget through government funds. As such, the admission process is done – as with any other public university in Iran – through the biannual National Entrance Exam. Apart from government funds, Damghan University is among the most successful higher education institutes in the country in terms of being partially funded by philanthropists. Moreover, a majority of the facilities on campus have been established with the help of prominent philanthropists in the city of Damghan.

The School of Earth Sciences
The School of Earth Sciences formed the first educational program at the onset of Damghan University’s establishment. The School of Earth Sciences, initially known as the Department of Geology, officially commenced its activities with the enrollment of 35 students. Though the faculty’s focus was on Pure Geology, the Applied Geology major was also added in 2008. Enrollment for Applied Geology ended in 2012 when it was replaced with Geomorphology. The School currently has a total of 21 faculty members, including 14 assistant and 7 associate professors, and a total of 255 students, including 35 Master’s and 230 Bachelor’s students. The school, moreover, features a range of laboratories and workshops in the fields of Sedimentology, Experimental Tectonics, Fluid Inclusions, and Stratigraphy.


 * Students can currently enroll in the following majors:

School of Mathematics and Computer Science
The School of Mathematics and Computer Science at Damghan University officially commenced its activities under the “Faculty of Mathematics” moniker in 1994, admitting students in the majors of Applied Mathematics and Teaching of Mathematics. In 1999, the first bachelor’s students were enrolled and commenced their studies in Pure Mathematics, with master’s students beginning in the year 2000. The Faculty of Computer Sciences was also launched in the same year, leading to the establishment of the School of Mathematics and Computer Science, encompassing the faculties of mathematics and computer science. The School currently has a total of 26 faculty members, including 1 professor, 6 associate professors, 17 assistant professors, and 2 instructors. The faculty of mathematics also features a “House of Math’ conference center, along with a High-Performance Computing (HPC) Center


 * Students can currently enroll in the following majors:



School of Chemistry
Damghan University’s School of Chemistry was founded in 1994 and started its first undergraduate program in Pure Chemistry. Currently, the School of Chemistry offers two undergraduate majors in Pure Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, 6 graduate programs in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, and Polymer Chemistry, and four PhD programs in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry. The school has a total of 23 faculty members, including 10 associate professors, 4 assistant professors, and 4 professors.


 * The following is a list of departments in the School of Chemistry of Damghan University:

Additionally, the faculty includes both educational and research laboratories. Research laboratories such as the ICP and FT-IR Analytical Labs, as well as Thermal and Elemental Research Labs, are among the research facilities available at the School of Chemistry.

School of Physics
The School of Physics at Damghan University started its first undergraduate program in October 1996. The school currently offers two undergraduate programs in the fields of Physics and Engineering Physics, five graduate programs in the fields of Solid State Physics, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Nuclear Physics, Gravitation and Cosmology, and Nanophysics, and three PhD programs in the fields of Condensed Matter Physics (Solid State), Nuclear Physics, and Nanophysics. The school has a total of 22 faculty members, including 2 professors, 16 assistant professors, and 4 associate professors.


 * There are three faculties currently active in the School of Physics:

Among the facilities available at the Faculty of Physics are an observatory, educational laboratories, and research laboratories. The research laboratories include:


 * 1) Nuclear Physics Laboratory
 * 2) Nanophysics and Solid State Research Laboratory
 * 3) Scanning Probe Microscopy (SPM) Laboratory
 * 4) Scattering and Characterization of Nanomaterials Laboratory

School of Biology
The School of Biology - among the newer schools at the University of Damghan – officially began its educational and research programs in February 2007 by admitting students in three majors of Plant Sciences, General Biology, and Cellular Molecular Biology. The school currently offers three bachelor’s programs in the fields of Animal Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology, and Plant Sciences, five master’s programs in the fields of Plant Physiology, Systematic Ecology, Evolutionary Biology, Animal Physiology, and Biochemistry, and one PhD program in the field of Animal Physiology. The school currently has a total of 16 faculty members, which includes 11 assistant professors and 5 associate professors.


 * There are currently three departments at the School of Biology:



Moreover, the following is a list of laboratories and equipment within the School:


 * 1) Botany Laboratory
 * 2) Plant Physiology Laboratory
 * 3) Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory
 * 4) Animal Physiology Laboratory
 * 5) Microscopy Laboratory
 * 6) Cell and Tissue Culture Laboratory
 * 7) Electrophysiology Laboratory

School of Engineering
The establishment of a school of engineering was made possible with the approval of the Higher Education Development Council in 2010, which paved the way for the transformation of the Damghan University of Basic Sciences into the University of Damghan. The admission of the first students in the school began in 2011 in the fields of Software Engineering and Industrial Engineering. The School currently has a total of 31 faculty members, including 5 associate professors, 23 assistant professors, and 3 instructors. Moreover, the school houses 860 undergraduate students studying in five departments of Computer Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. Recently, a master's level minor in power engineering was also added to the department of Electrical Engineering.


 * Damghan University’s School of Engineering Faculties:

The School of Engineering is among the most equipped within the University, featuring necessary software for the respective fields, workshops for Electrical Engineering fundamentals, Electrical Circuit Workshops, Logic Circuit Workshop, educational laboratories, and research laboratories. The research laboratories also branch into the following:


 * 1) Renewable Energy Laboratory
 * 2) Advanced Production Research Laboratories
 * 3) Modeling, Melting, and Casting Workshop
 * 4) Power System Protection Laboratory
 * 5) Advanced Surface Engineering Laboratory
 * 6) Composite and Advanced Materials Laboratory

School of Arts
Coinciding with the decision of The Council of Higher Education Development to rename Damghan University of Basic Sciences to Damghan University, the establishment of the School of Arts was also approved. The establishment of the school and the development of its educational program was the result of an agreement between Damghan University and the Educational and Research Deputy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). The mutual cultural, educational, and research agreement between the two institutes resulted in the establishment of five undergraduate programs:


 * 1) Dramatic Literature
 * 2) Television and Digital Arts
 * 3) Cinema Studies
 * 4) Acting and Directing
 * 5) Television Directing

The school currently has a total of 9 faculty members in the following departments: Due to the requirements of the liberal arts majors, the School of art is among the most equipped within the university with seven workshops:


 * 1) Photography Workshop
 * 2) Visual Content Creation Workshop
 * 3) 2D Animation Workshop
 * 4) Computer Workshop
 * 5) Puppet Animation Workshop
 * 6) General Design Workshop
 * 7) Animation Design Workshop

School of Humanities
The School of Humanities officially commenced its activities in 2013 by admitting students to the Master's program in Islamic Jurisprudence and Criminal Law. Subsequently, in 2016, undergraduate programs were introduced in Sports Sciences, Geography, and Law, and a master's program in Arabic Translation. In 2017, programs in English Language and Economics were also added to the faculty's offerings. As of 2024, the Department of Geography also offers a master's level minor in land-use planning.

The School focuses on a diverse range of disciplines aimed at providing comprehensive education in humanities and social sciences, catering to both undergraduate and graduate students. Among its facilities are the Civic Law Clinic, Sports Science Laboratory, and Language Laboratory. The following is a list of the departments within the school:

Incubation Center
Damghan University’s Incubation Center is an economic office, established in 2022, which supports startups with entrepreneurial spirit with the preparation of general facilities and administrative procedures. The Incubation Center utilizes the economic and industrial network within the city of Damghan to prepare an opportunity for the development of knowledge-based businesses. Moreover, the center facilitates the process of market entry by providing necessary information to startups.

Library
Damghan University’s Central Library was established in 1989, coinciding with the launch of the Geology program at the university. The library started its operations with a collection of over three thousand books and ten journal titles (both Persian and Latin). In 2009, the project for a new Central Library building began with improved properties. The new site was inaugurated in the presence of the then Minister of Science, Research, and Technology, Dr. Kamran Daneshjou. The new site features two study halls equipped with wireless systems, accommodating 200 people simultaneously (a total of 400 people for both halls). If necessary, this capacity can be expanded to a total of 500 people. Both halls have special study rooms for faculty and postgraduate students as well.

As of the end of May 2022, the Central Library of Damghan University has amassed a collection of over 61,240 Persian books, 9,000 Latin books, 250 journal titles (both Persian and Latin), and 2,170 thesis titles in both electronic and physical versions.

Pistachio Innovation Center
The Pistachio Innovation Center of Damghan, overseen by Damghan University, stands as the pioneering hub dedicated to the entire lifecycle of pistachio cultivation—from planting and nurturing to harvesting—and encompasses processing and advanced scientific research. Established with a primary focus on supporting technological advancements and effective water crisis management strategies, the center plays a pivotal role in enhancing the pistachio industry's sustainability and productivity.

Beyond its core mission in pistachio agriculture, the center extends its influence across various domains including processing techniques that enhance quality and shelf life, health-related research to promote the nutritional benefits of pistachios, and initiatives in industrial tourism and cultural heritage that celebrate the region's pistachio industry. Moreover, the center serves as a key player in crisis management related to water resources, implementing innovative solutions for efficient water use and conservation in pistachio cultivation.

The center also emphasizes marketing and sales strategies to bolster the market presence of pistachio products domestically and internationally. Environmental awareness is another concern, where the center integrates sustainable practices and conducts research on eco-friendly farming methods to minimize environmental impact and preserve natural resources. Furthermore, the center is actively involved in content creation and dissemination, producing educational materials and publications to foster knowledge sharing and industry advancement.

Institute of Biological Sciences
The establishment of the Institute of Biological Sciences at Damghan University was approved by the Council of Higher Education Development on July 2, 2011. This institute comprises four research groups: The Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Group, the Physiology Research Group, the Plant Sciences Research Group, and the Biochemistry Research Group. The institute aims to conduct demand-driven and applied research projects in the fields of biology and regenerative medicine, including stem cell biology, neurobiology, and herbal medicines.

Student Amenities
A majority of the dormitories are located on campus, which contributes to the student’s safety and creates easy access to the classes, cafeteria, and various equipment in the University. Most of the buildings designated as dormitories are recently constructed, and maintain a high standard in terms of offering well-equipped living quarters for the students. The University has 5 dormitories for female and 2 dormitories for male students, accommodating more than 1500 students in total. The University of Damghan also features a healthcare center and sports facilities, which are accessible at all times to the students.

Publications
The Damghan University Press is in charge of publishing books and journals dedicated to the publishing of latest research by faculty members. As of February 2024, Damghan University Press has published more than 70 titles, focused on a wide variety of subjects in the fields of geology, mathematics and computer science, basic sciences, and liberal arts and humanities.

Journals
Damghan University Press oversees the publishing of articles in the academic journals belonging to the university. The following is a list of Damghan University Press’ Journals currently active:


 * 1) Global Analysis and Discrete Mathematics
 * 2) Iranian Journal of Astronomy and Astrophysics
 * 3) Journal of Holography Applications in Physics
 * 4) Journal of Nano Magnetism
 * 5) Journal of Nano Simulation
 * 6) Journal of Neurobiology Research
 * 7) Materials Chemistry Horizons

Honors and Achievements

 * Ranked 8th among Iranian leading higher education institutions based on the Nature-Index ranking in 2023.
 * Selected as one of the top two universities for developing projects leveraging provincial advantages (Quantitative and Qualitative Enhancement of Pistachio Production).
 * Ranked 6th at the undergraduate and 10th at the master's level among Iranian universities regarding graduate employment status in 2020.
 * Ranked 13th by the Iranian Federation of Elite Scientists in 2018.
 * Hosting faculty members among the top 2% of the most cited scientists worldwide.
 * Central Laboratory of Damghan University was ranked 23rd among 290 laboratories that were members of the Strategic Technologies Laboratory Network.
 * The Counseling and Health Center of Damghan University was awarded the title of "National Exemplary Counseling Center" by the National Student Affairs Organization.
 * Ranked among the top 14 universities and higher education centers in the country for offering skill-enhancement courses.
 * Submission and acceptance of works by the Faculty of Arts in various festivals, including the Lift-Off Global Network International Festival, the CINEMA PATOLOGICO Festival, and the Iranian University Theater Festival

Admission of International Students
Damghan University obtained the permission to admit international students from the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology in 2023. Over one hundred foreign students are studying at Damghan University as of April 2024. The majority of these students are from Iraq. The foreign students are studying at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels in the faculties of Biology, Mathematics, Geology, Physics, and Computer Science. The university is planning to attract students from other neighboring countries in the future.