The SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) 2026 have been officially released, with the Pasteur Institute of Iran securing a position among the country's top 10 scientific institutions. The ranking, recognized globally as one of the most authoritative academic evaluation systems, assesses institutional performance using data from Scopus and other international sources across three core pillars: Research (based on scientific publications), Innovation (measured through patent registrations), and Societal Impact. This year's edition introduces notable methodological changes, with the most significant being the replacement of the Altmetrics indicator with a "Media Mentions" metric within the Societal Impact category. The new indicator evaluates the extent to which scientific and research activities by institutions are reflected in reputable international media outlets, offering a fresh perspective on global visibility and public engagement.

According to the published results, 199 Iranian institutions have been included in the 2026 SIR ranking, marking an increase of four compared to the previous year. This growth underscores the continued presence and active participation of Iranian academic and research bodies on the international stage. At the national level, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, University of Tehran, and Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences have been ranked as the top three institutions in Iran. They are followed by Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Golestan University, and the Pasteur Institute of Iran, which together complete the list of the country's 10 leading institutions.

The SCImago Institutions Rankings remain one of the most important global benchmarks for evaluating universities and research centers. The 2026 edition not only highlights Iran's growing institutional representation but also provides a comprehensive snapshot of the nation's research output, innovation capacity, and societal influence. The inclusion of 199 Iranian entities reflects the sustained commitment of the country's scientific community to international collaboration and scholarly excellence.