12th Sci-Quest: “The Flight of Messenger Photons”

12th Sci-Quest: “The Flight of Messenger Photons”

The “Sci-Quest” social media campaign, an outreach division of the Mustafa(pbuh) Prize, has kicked off its 12th edition under the theme “The Flight of Messenger Photons” with a focus on optical communications.


Tehran, BORNA — The Secretariat of the Mustafa(pbuh) Prize has announced the start of this year’s Sci-Quest campaign, a program which aims to popularize science and build a bridge between the achievements of prominent scientists and the general public. The focus, this year, is on one of the most fascinating areas of communication technology: optical communications.
Participants are invited to answer three key questions:
1.    Explain the concept of data transmission using light and its mechanism.
2.    Describe the differences between fiber-optic technology and optical wireless communications.
3.    Describe Murat Uysal’s scientific achievements in optical wireless communications and their wide-ranging applications. 
The most important criterion in evaluating the works will be the participants’ ability to present a simple, creative, and engaging narrative, one that is understandable even for audiences without an academic background in physics or communication technology. Submission formats are flexible and can include text, images, infographics, podcasts, or videos.
Participants must first publish their work on social media with the hashtag #Sci_Quest #SciQuest, then submit the link along with the file via the Mustafa(pbuh) Prize website or via Telegram at @mustafaprize_admin. The submission deadline is August 9, 2025. Winners will receive valuable prizes.
Founded in 2013 2015?, the Mustafa(pbuh) Prize is awarded biennially to scientists in fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, medical sciences, information and communication technology, and the basic sciences. The winners are chosen from among scientists whose achievements have had a global impact and practical applications. Known as the “Islamic Nobel Prize,” the award offers not only a medal and a cash prize, but also opportunities for international collaboration with leading research institutions worldwide.
As the outreach division of the Mustafa(pbuh) Prize, the Sci-Quest campaign is dedicated to translating specialized knowledge into accessible content. Over the years, it has attracted a diverse audience, from school students and university undergraduates to researchers and teachers, and its works have resonated widely, not only in Iran’s online platforms but also within scientific circles across the region and the Islamic world.