ISV Lab Gathering 2026 - Out Beyond Ideas

Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
There is a field.
I'll meet you there.

– Rumi, 13th century Persian poet

About the series

As war broke out in Iran and missile strikes have been taking place in over 10 Middle Eastern countries since 28 February 2026, the civilian casualties and large scale destruction has been deeply saddening. At times of war, where live updates on military progress are broadcasted every hour and global attention focuses on oil prices and military technologies, the voices of the people affected are easily drowned.

While it is not possible for us, citizens living on a different continent, to fully understand the causes leading to military conflicts, we have the option to understand the history, society and culture of people from different countries, races and religions. As we learn more about the history and culture of different people, we often find more similarities than differences. Such understanding forms the essential basis for social inclusion and cohesion, goals that we should not put aside even at times of conflicts. It is all the more necessary for Hong Kong, as an international financial hub and a world-class city, to develop cultural literacy and an inclusive mindset.

With such eagerness to promote learning and mutual understanding, ISV Lab is launching the new series “Transcending Boundaries” in 2026, featuring guest speakers who will share their personal experiences and stories about Iran, Afghanistan, India and more. Dr. Behzad Nasiri, an Iranian scientist in molecular biology and genetics and a PhD researcher in Medical Science at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, will be our inaugural speaker to launch the series.

Photo credit: Franky Tsang of @sherpashk

About this event 

The session will start with a historical account of the great empire Persia and a geographical overview of its beautiful and diverse landscape by Dr. Behzad Nasiri. With a quick introduction to the origin of Iran, and cultural background of its people, Behzad will share about dynasty changes, protests and conflicts, people’s lives in a Muslim society, as well as the trauma brought by wars for people inside and outside the country.

The event is not a fundraising event and no donations will be raised for any entity or individual.

Photo credit: Franky Tsang of @sherpashk

About the speaker Dr. Behzad Nasiri

Behzad Nasiri, an Iranian researcher and global citizen, is driven to share the story of Iran’s people amid recent devastating protests and heavy casualties. Raised in a warm Iranian family, he holds degrees in Molecular Biology and Genetics and a PhD in Medical Science from CUHK (Hong Kong), where he lived for seven years building deep friendships. His path also included years as an international tour guide and hostel manager, fueling a passion for travel, cultural connection, and human stories. Shaken by the scale of loss and repression in Iran’s ongoing crisis—including the protests followed by war experiences shared by his family and friends, and how these events affect their daily life and emotions—Behzad now focuses on highlighting Iran’s rich history, enduring culture, and the resilience of its people—offering a personal, informed lens on a nation at a pivotal moment.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

HKMA Wanchai (Room 201), 2/F Pico Tower, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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