On 15 January 2008, AIT President Said Irandoust met with Professor Mohammad Mahdi Mazaheri, Vice President for Cultural Relations, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Iran, expressing a common interest in the establishment of a "Spatial Data Infrastructure and Management Center". The Center would develop projects on SDI, spatial networking and management, academic programs, and conduct other related activities. They also signed a general letter of intent, in this regard. Details regarding the establishment and modalities of operation of the Center, including financial aspects, will be further worked out jointly.
On the same day a journalist from IRIN (Iranian Television) for Channel 4, which is a popular education and knowledge channel in Iran interviewed AIT President, the Vice President of Islamic Azad University, and Mr. Amin Nazifi, an Iranian currently studying at AIT.