Encieh
ERFANI

Dr. Encieh Erfani is a physicist and human rights advocate with over 10 years of experience in academia and more than 2 years of active engagement in women's rights advocacy. Following the outbreak of the 'Woman, Life, Freedom' movement in Iran in September 2022, she resigned from her faculty position in solidarity with protesting students and has since lived in exile. Her advocacy focuses on academic freedom, gender equality, and the protection of scholars at risk, especially women facing repression and violence under authoritarian regimes. Dr. Erfani’s work bridges science and human rights, amplifying the voices of those silenced by political oppression. She is the co-founder of the International Community of Iranian Academics (ICOIA), where she collaborates with global networks to advocate for the rights of displaced scholars and highlight gender-based discrimination in education and research. Her efforts have been recognized internationally, including by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2025 Award for Scientific Freedom and Responsibility, and she frequently contributes to articles, panels, and policy discussions addressing violence against women and girls, academic repression, and the intersection of science and human rights.