About ACI

Why we do what we do?

Established in Paris in 1992, Association des Chercheurs Iraniens (ACI) emerged as a response to the pressing challenges facing Iran following the conclusion of the Iran-Iraq War. At a time when the nation’s resources were depleted, its population was rapidly growing, and its future seemed uncertain, ACI was founded on the belief that informed, expert-led solutions, rooted in the principles of equality and equity, could offer a brighter path forward.

Iran, with its strategic geopolitical position and abundant natural resources, has historically been a target of external influence. This vulnerability has often hindered the nation’s progress and compromised its sovereignty. ACI recognizes that a strong and united Iran, grounded in the principles of democracy, equality, and social justice, can effectively resist external pressures and shape its own destiny.

To foster positive change, ACI engages in a variety of activities, including:

Research and Analysis: Conducting in-depth research on critical issues facing Iran, providing data-driven insights to inform policy decisions and public discourse.

Expert-Led Dialogue: Organizing forums and workshops featuring renowned experts to discuss pressing challenges and explore innovative solutions.

Advocacy and Lobbying: Advocating for human rights, democratic reforms, and social justice at both national and international levels.

Networking and Collaboration: Building strong partnerships with like-minded organizations to amplify our impact and create a global movement for change.

We welcome and invite the participation of all those interested in the future of Iran.

Aims and Objectives

Association des Chercheurs Iraniens (ACI) adopts an impartial and unbiased approach in all its activities, maintaining respect for diverse schools of thought. We engage actively with scholars, policymakers, and experts from around the world, striving to contribute meaningfully to a more prosperous and democratic future for Iran. We welcome the participation of all those committed to advancing the well-being and future of Iran, regardless of political or ideological orientation.

ACI serves as an intellectual forum dedicated to shaping the future of a democratic Iran. Our work focuses on comprehensive planning across the social, political, cultural, and economic spheres. In pursuit of these goals, ACI:

Identifies and critically analyses the challenges facing Iran and its global diaspora;

Develops informed, evidence-based solutions aimed at overcoming these challenges and fostering sustainable progress.

A core component of our mission is the dissemination of our research and findings to key international stakeholders, both public and private, as well as to the broader global community. We achieve this through the organisation of regular international conferences, the publication of research outputs, press releases, policy briefings, and by providing expert analysis to media outlets.

Due to the ideological constraints imposed by the regime, objective research and discourse on Iranian issues often face significant challenges. In response, a diverse group of Iranian scholars, professionals, and intellectuals from around the world, each bringing unique perspectives, expertise, and experience, have united under the common purpose of fostering a positive and inclusive future for Iran. Our conferences provide a platform for constructive dialogue and the development of practical, actionable solutions.

The symbolic title of “Iran on the Threshold of the Year 2000” was originally chosen to emphasise the importance of forward-looking vision, grounded in a deep understanding of both Iran’s current state and its aspirations for the future. Today, this theme has evolved into “Iran in the 21st Century”, reflecting our ongoing commitment to addressing the challenges and opportunities of the modern era.

Over the past thirty two years, ACI has carried out eight comparative public opinion surveys, organised over fifty-two international conferences and published eleven scholarly volumes. These efforts have brought together more than seven hundred experts and academics from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, contributing to a robust, multifaceted understanding of Iran’s present and future.