Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute Signs MOU with Dairy Industry Association to Promote Bone Health

The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday, June 5, 2025, at EMRI, with the participation of members of the Board of Directors of the Dairy Industries Association. The agreement underscores a shared commitment to advancing scientific collaboration, knowledge exchange, and evidence-based strategies for improving public health.

During the visit, the delegation toured EMRI’s key research facilities, including its Biobank and Zebrafish Laboratory, gaining insight into the institute’s cutting-edge research infrastructure.

Dr. Bagher Larijani, Director of EMRI, highlighted the institute’s major projects in osteoporosis research, including the Bushehr Elderly Health Cohort, the Iran Multicenter Osteoporosis Study, the Fracture Liaison Service Integration System, and the National Osteoporosis Registry. He emphasized the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence to facilitate clinical data registration and decision-making.

Dr. Larijani also referenced EMRI’s active collaboration with the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), noting the institute’s membership in IOF's Board of Governance, Scientific Advisors Committee, and Regional Advisory Committees. Furthermore, he announced that the Iranian Osteoporosis Society has recently joined IOF’s National Societies Committee.

Addressing current challenges in dairy consumption, Dr. Larijani underscored issues such as negative public messaging, economic constraints, and the declining trend in dairy intake. He stressed the importance of joint efforts between academia and industry to improve bone health awareness and reshape public attitudes.

Mr. Mir Eslam Teimouri, Chairman of the Board of the Dairy Industries Association, called for leveraging EMRI’s scientific expertise to counteract misinformation in the media. He also highlighted challenges related to price regulation and its impact on fortifying dairy products with Vitamin D and probiotics.

Dr. Vahid Mofid, Vice Chairman of the Association, emphasized the need to engage scientific institutions in advocating with the Iranian Food and Drug Administration to support policies favorable to the dairy sector.

Dr. Seyed Mahmoud Tabatabaei, President of the Iranian Osteoporosis Society, discussed the urgency of investing in health marketing and engaging key stakeholders in the dairy industry, especially in light of the country’s aging population.

Dr. Noushin Fahimfar, Head of the Osteoporosis Research Center at EMRI, presented the center’s ongoing awareness campaigns, including World Osteoporosis Day, and appealed for industry support in national education initiatives.

Concluding the session, Mr. Amjadi, CEO of the Cooperative of the Dairy Industries Association, emphasized the need for a structured roadmap for collaboration, particularly in osteoporosis prevention and control programs.

This MOU marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration aimed at advancing bone health research, improving nutritional habits, and promoting evidence-based dairy consumption at a national level.