Saednews: Azar Andami is the first Iranian woman to have one of the craters on the planet Venus named in her honor for her efforts. Below, you will find images of this remarkable lady along with a brief text about her and the service she provided to humanity.
According to the history service of Saadnews, the late Azar Andami's name – a doctor and researcher – has been registered on the planet Venus as the only Iranian woman among 997 famous women of the world. The International Astronomical Union (AIU), which has been a pioneer in naming planets since 1919, named one of the craters on Venus with a diameter of 30 kilometers at 26.55 longitude and 17.45 latitude in honor of Dr. Andami's scientific efforts in 1992.
Azar Andami was born in 1926 in the Sagharisazan neighborhood of Rasht. She completed her elementary education in four years. Due to life difficulties, she continued her studies while working as a seamstress and embroiderer to help support her family.
After completing her secondary school education at Farogh High School in Rasht, she attended the city's Teacher Training College and graduated successfully in 1945. In 1946, she began her official employment with the Ministry of Education. During this period, she resumed her education and obtained a natural sciences diploma, then entered Tehran University to study medicine.
At the same time, she continued teaching in schools in southern Tehran. She received her medical degree in 1958 and immediately began her specialization in obstetrics and gynecology. Throughout this time, she was active in supporting mothers and infants. In 1960, she married Dr. Mansour Khallatbari, and they had three children: Azarmidokht (geophysics expert), Mitra (nurse), and Arash (architect).
After completing her studies, she transferred to the Ministry of Health and worked at the Pasteur Institute. Her work at the Pasteur Institute led her to conduct several research projects in bacteriology and hospital infections, publishing her results in reputable medical journals.
When cholera broke out in Iran and there were difficulties in acquiring vaccines from abroad, Andami took the initiative at the Pasteur Institute to produce the vaccine in bulk, which not only met domestic needs but was also sent to neighboring countries. In recognition of her effective work, she was appointed deputy head of the microbiology department and later became the head of the cholera and diphtheria department. She was awarded a scientific medal for her scientific efforts.
Continuing her work at the Pasteur Institute, she was awarded a scholarship and went to Paris, where she received her bacteriology certification in 1967. Upon returning to Iran, she completed a clinical laboratory specialization program at Tehran University and earned a degree in clinical laboratory sciences. She retired in 1978.
Her participation in international scientific conferences and her lectures on her research achievements were other scientific activities of Azar Andami.
At her retirement ceremony, she said: "From the beginning of my government service, I wished for an end like this, and since I have reached my goal, I thank God and feel happiness and pride."
Azar Andami was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1984 and passed away due to a pulmonary embolism, a consequence of her illness.
