Modares Environmental research Center (MERC) is founded to enhance sustainable development of the environment at the most famous and biggest graduate university of Iran, Tarbiat Modares University (TMU). This department was initially approved by the University Board, and the permission to establish the research group was granted by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology. Upon foundation, the institute has been widely and actively involved in the examination, identification, modeling, pathology, and evaluation of decontamination and associated issues; environmental management of water and waste water, air, soil, and waste; provision of scientific and operational solutions for cleanup in natural resources, mines, and industries; and urban management.
This research institute has always been recognized to be a fellow to graduate students, environmentalists, and environmentally friendly industries. It is equipped with advanced laboratory facilities and equipment such as GC, spectrophotometer, TOC meter, sound measuring instruments, and soil sampling equipment, among others. Collaborative laboratories and facilities of the institute and its sampling and field operations team with valuable experience in nationwide projects constitute a potentially valuable asset for conducting national environmental studies.
The presence of over 20 experienced and specialized faculty members from Tarbiat Modares University and more than 12 invited and collaborating faculty members from prestigious domestic or international universities has significantly broadened the scope of activities of this research institute.
Cooperation and memorandums of understanding signed with foreign international universities and scientific and research institutions in Germany, Sweden, Turkey, France, and Spain, as well as research and executive cooperation agreements with the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, with reputable environmental laboratories, and some environment-focused executive and private consulting firms, have doubled the capabilities and capacities of this research institute.
Along with substantial consulting firms and other vast national universities, this research institute has conducted several countrywide research and executive projects, as follows:

• Environmental and feasibility studies of constructing 100-kilometer-long underground crude oil storage reservoirs in the coastal strip of southern Iran
• Identification and evaluation of sources, applications, and hazards of heavy metals in nine provinces, as part of the national plan for heavy metals and presentation of a national action plan
• Identification and modeling of polluting sources within the Siminehrood river basin that drains into Urmia Lake
• Environmental impact assessment of dozens of projects, including the Assaluyeh Special Zone Landfill, the Gotvand Olya Dam and Power Plant, several refineries in Tehran, the Moteh Gold Mine, the Zarshuran Gold Mine, and the Environmental Monitoring Pilot of the Countrys Roads, among others
• Cooperation in the compilation of various executive directives and regulations, including the disposal of nanowastes, the development of tourism along rivers and reservoirs, etc.

During its 13 years of specialized activity, this research institute has demonstrated high potential in utilizing a specialized, vibrant, and motivated young workforce, experienced elites, international capacities, active laboratory equipment, and a wealth of experience in all environment-related fields. These initiatives have been in accordance with the environmental goals of Vision 1404, the environmental document communicated by the Supreme Leader, and the Sustainable Development Goals. In light of this, the institute is prepared to conduct studies and implement programs and national environmental measures in a variety of fields geared toward national self-sufficiency in green development, the promotion of specialized environmental education, and environmental acculturation.