About Us

Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU)

Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (SANRU) is a public institution of higher education situated in the city of Sari, Mazandaran Province, in northern Iran, near the Caspian Sea. The university’s origins date back to 1974 with the establishment of the College of Agricultural Engineering, which initially offered programs in agricultural sciences, forestry, and animal sciences. By the end of 1998, in response to the college’s growth, the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology authorized the establishment of two new faculties: Agricultural Science and Natural Resources. These faculties commenced their formal educational activities in 2000. In 2004, the institution underwent further expansion, resulting in the creation of four faculties: Crop Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Animal Sciences and Fisheries, and Natural Resources. This development led to the renaming of the institution as the “Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources campus,” reflecting both quantitative and qualitative advancements.

Recognizing Mazandaran Province’s significance as an agro-economic center, SANRU subsequently established two specialized research institutes:

  • Genetic and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT): Located at the core of the university, GABIT comprises several academic subdivisions, including Biotechnology, Agronomy, and Plant Breeding, and functions without an independent management structure.
  • Caspian Ecosystems Research Institute: This institute is actively engaged in research across various fields, such as forest ecosystems, marine ecosystems, ecosystem products, rangeland ecosystems, and environmental issues.

In 2008, SANRU was officially recognized as an independent legal entity. Currently, the university consists of four faculties and 18 departments, with more than 130 academic staff members, approximately 3,000 undergraduate (B.Sc.) students, and over 400 postgraduate (M.Sc. and Ph.D.) students. The university offers a wide range of academic programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with an emphasis on flexibility during the initial years of study and a curriculum designed to address contemporary challenges in agricultural sciences and natural resources.

SANRU’s strategic vision is centered on the continual enhancement of teaching, learning, research, and innovation, aiming to equip its students, graduates, and staff with the necessary skills and knowledge to address the challenges of the 21st century. The university is also committed to fostering national and international collaborations, contributing to scientific progress and the sustainable development of the region.