Research Center for Behavioral and Social Sciences in Health

History

The establishment of the Research Center for Behavioral and Social Sciences in Health at Shahroud University of Medical Sciences dates back to 2006 (1385 SH), when the growing need for an independent academic body dedicated to behavioral and social health research was formally recognized.

The initial proposal was submitted in 2006 by Dr. Seyed Abbas Mousavi, then Deputy of Education, Research, Student Affairs, and Culture, under the title “Center for Social Development and Health Promotion Research.” Following preparation of the required documentation and formation of the founding board, the legal establishment process commenced.

After review and approval by the University Council and the Research and Technology Deputy, the proposal was forwarded to the Ministry of Health and the Council for University Expansion. During this process, the center’s title was revised to the “Research Center for Behavioral and Social Sciences in Health.”

Preliminary approval for establishment was granted on May 23, 2009 (1388/03/02 SH).

Following a period of operational development and documentation, the Center was granted Definitive Approval by the Council for University Expansion on October 1, 2015 (1394/07/08 SH).

Since then, the Center has functioned as an official academic research entity within SHMU.

Founding Members

  • Dr. Mohammad Shariati

  • Dr. Reza Chaman

  • Dr. Afsaneh Keramat

  • Dr. Ahmad Khosravi

  • Dr. Ali Akhoundpour Mantegh

Vision

To achieve national leadership in behavioral and social sciences research in health among medical sciences universities in Iran and to serve as a scientific authority for the evaluation of national programs addressing behavioral and social determinants of health.

Mission

The Research Center for Behavioral and Social Sciences in Health is committed to safeguarding, promoting, and advancing community health by:

  • Identifying social and behavioral determinants influencing health outcomes

  • Conducting applied, priority-driven research

  • Generating and translating knowledge into evidence-based policy and practice

  • Supporting national and regional health programs

Through scientific rigor and interdisciplinary collaboration, the Center aims to contribute meaningfully to improved public health and social well-being.

Core Values

  • Commitment to ethical principles and Islamic-humanistic values in research

  • Alignment of research activities with community needs and national priorities

  • Respect for the dignity and status of researchers and scientific inquiry

  • Emphasis on knowledge translation and practical impact

  • Promotion of sustainable development and social justice

Head of the Center

Dr. Seyed Mohammad Mirrezaei
Specialist in Social Medicine (MD, PhD)

Affiliated with:

  • Research Working Group on Social and Environmental Determinants of Health

  • Research Working Group on Accidents and Related Behavioral and Social Factors

Contact Information

Research Center for Behavioral and Social Sciences in Health
Shahroud University of Medical Sciences

7th Tir Square, Shahroud, Iran
Postal Code: 36147-73943

Phone: +98-23-32394091
Email: mirrezaie@shmu.ac.ir