As you are aware, the realization of knowledge-based development policies within the framework of the directives of the Supreme Leader is a national and religious duty for every Iranian citizen. One way to achieve this important goal is through effective, bilateral and strong communication between scientific and academic institutions and national and international financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies. Such a relationship can only be achieved by establishing effective and sustainable ties between the academic and industrial sectors, especially in the stock, bank, and insurance industries. One of the main tasks of universities, therefore, is to study and implement the international standards governing the insurance and banking systems (such as Solvency and Basel) in the country to establish integrated risk management using financial engineering and risk management approaches. Thus, in line with its high goals of supporting the frontiers of new knowledge, the University of Tehran's Khwarizmi University, along with the Institute for Fundamental Sciences, has undertaken the responsibility of hosting the Financial Engineers and Risk Management Group of Iran (FINACT-IRAN) to promote the development of new mathematical financial and risk management sciences in Iran.

In light of the special support of the Faculty of Financial Sciences at Khwarizmi University for the development and advancement of new global sciences in the country, the eighth cycle of the International Conference on Financial Engineering and Risk Management in Iran will be held in July 2023, hosted by the Faculty of Financial Sciences at Khwarizmi University and in collaboration with the Mathematics Research Institute of the Institute for Fundamental Sciences.

At the mentioned conference, a group of top domestic and international experts from the industry and academia are gathering to discuss and exchange ideas on issues related to the financial industry, banking, and insurance in the country, in the fields of financial engineering and risk management. Additionally, during the eighth conference, the financial engineering and risk management group intends to hold complementary educational workshops to increase the quality of knowledge in mathematics, engineering, finance, and insurance in Iran.

The mentioned conference is held in a completely scientific and research-oriented environment, and has pursued the following main goals over the past ten years:

• Updating the knowledge of researchers, scholars, and professionals related to financial engineering and risk management in Iran,
• Effective communication between industry and academia, especially in understanding the industry's demands and challenges from academia,
• Introducing the country's top scientific elites to relevant institutions for employment, consultancy, and other purposes,
• Supporting professionals in this field inside and outside the country,
• Efforts to establish a financial and insurance risk research center in general in the country