[WEEKENDER] Iranian physicist turns scientific journey into new life in Korea

In 2024, an Iranian physicist named Mohammad Mirzaie experienced a seismic shift in his life, culminating in his decision to embrace Korean citizenship. As a senior research fellow at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Mirzaie's scientific journey led him to make a groundbreaking demonstration of an ultra-intense laser phenomenon.

This phenomenon, known as all-optical nonlinear Compton scattering, could potentially reshape our comprehension of environments near neutron stars and black holes. His efforts, however, were not solitary; they were a product of collaboration with fellow physicists and laser experts. The recognition of Mirzaie's contributions to basic science culminated in his approval for special naturalization in July, marking him as one of the 30 foreigners granted citizenship in that year.

Mirzaie, who has called Korea home since 2019, expressed his desire to become a Korean citizen, stating that he wanted to make a long-term commitment to the country where his family's lives had taken root. His story is a testament to the international collaborations that drive scientific progress and the potential for such endeavors to enrich lives and communities.