1. GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) was established in 1969 to strengthen political, economic, cultural, scientific, and social solidarity and cooperation among member states, as well as to protect the rights and interests of the Islamic world.
Since its founding, Türkiye has been a member of the OIC (https://www.mfa.gov.tr/OIC.en.mfa).
The OIC has 57 member countries, including:
Afghanistan, Albania, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Maldives, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
In addition to its main organs, the OIC has subsidiary organs, standing committees, and various specialized and affiliated institutions. The organization also hosts a Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (COMSTECH), which provides opportunities for collaboration in science and technology among member states.
Detailed information about the OIC can be found on their official website.
2. COMSTECH (Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation)
COMSTECH was established in January 1981 at the 3rd Islamic Summit Conference held in Mecca.
The mission of COMSTECH is to develop the individual and collective scientific and technological capacity of OIC member states through cooperation and networks initiated by the committee.
The organization conducts workshops and courses aimed at contributing to the development of scientists in OIC member states and increasing scientific collaborations.
Announcements regarding these workshops and courses are disseminated by TÜBİTAK’s International Cooperation Department to relevant R&D units and institutes, which nominate appropriate scientists to participate in these events.
Researchers from Türkiye are also supported by TÜBİTAK to participate in COMSTECH scientific meetings.
At its 8th General Assembly in 1997, COMSTECH decided to offer a cash prize of $5,000 to scientists in the fields of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics for their innovative discoveries.
Additionally, in collaboration with The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), COMSTECH provides financial support of up to $15,000 for research projects in fields such as geosciences, engineering sciences, information technology, computer sciences, and materials sciences.
Scientific and Technological Networks Established by COMSTECH
To enhance cooperation among its members, COMSTECH has created the following scientific and technological networks:
Network Name | Headquarters | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Space Sciences and Technology Network (ISNET) | Karachi, Pakistan | Active |
| Water Resources Development and Management Network (INWRDAM) | Amman, Jordan | Active |
| Oceanography Network (INOC) | Izmir, Türkiye | Active |
| Tropical Medicine Network (INTROM) | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Active |
| Information Technology Network (INIT) | Islamabad, Pakistan | Active |
| Biosaline Agriculture Network (INBA) | Dubai, UAE | Active |
| Virtual Universities Network (CINVU) | Tehran, Iran | Active |
| Science and Technology Parks Network (INSTP) | Rasht, Iran | Active |
| Nanotechnology Network (INN) | Tehran, Iran | Active |
| Environmental Network (INE) | Khartoum, Sudan | Not Active |
| Veterinary Sciences Network (INVSR) | Khartoum, Sudan | Not Active |
| Renewable Energy Sources Network (INRES) | Niamey, Niger | Not Active |
| Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Network (INOGEB) | Cairo, Egypt | Not Active |
Türkiye’s Involvement
Türkiye is a member of the Water Resources Development and Management Network (INWRDAM) and the Oceanography Network (INOC).
The Oceanography Network (INOC), hosted by Türkiye, has its headquarters in Izmir. Other member countries of INOC include: Azerbaijan, Cameroon, Bangladesh, Algeria, Indonesia, Morocco, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Malaysia, Egypt, Mauritania, Pakistan, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Jordan, and the TRNC (Observer).
The Water Resources Development and Management Network (INWRDAM), established in 1987 under the COMSTECH umbrella, is based in Amman, Jordan. This network aims to enhance technical cooperation among its 19 member countries, including Bahrain, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mali, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.
Activities of INWRDAM
- Establishing a database to facilitate development in the network's areas of focus and enhancing cooperation based on shared interests.
- Exchanging information, sharing experiences, and engaging in continuous dialogue on development within the network’s scope.
- Undertaking joint projects, providing personnel training, offering consultancy services, and making recommendations.