Islamic Revolution Leader, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei in a meeting with Iranian university professors said that scientific progress was vital for the country, adding that the country must progress scientifically in compliance with indigenous culture.

Ayatollah Khamanei said that such meetings were a symbolic move to boost feeling of respect to scientists and professors.

"The best encouragement for promotion of science is to respect its owners," the IR Leader said.

The IR Leader said that another goal of the meeting was to discuss the viewpoints of professors and elites. "The professors' viewpoints will definitely help decision-making process in cabinet, Majlis, and the System Interests Council."

Ayatollah Khamenei said progress will also be achieved by using scientific experiences of other countries adding however that learning from others never meant being dependent and failing to have innovation.

"We should produce science based on our native views, Islamic-national culture and the needs of the country."

The IR Leader pointed to the role of state bodies and the professors in advancing science in universities and research centers and said," The state bodies and professors should promote the spirit of national confidence and hope in research centers and young elites."

The IR Leader said scientific needs and priorities must be identified before educational planning. "Because of poor facilities and excessive requirements we should not focus on scientific and research projects which are less prioritized."

Ayatollah Khamenei noted that spirit of research in students was another requirement for scientific progress. "We should leave memorization-only approaches towards textbooks. We must boost the spirit of research."

Ayatollah Khamenei urged for expansion of research centers in order to employ young professors.