JRV Prescott Scholarship 2024 Awardee Interview

 IBRU welcomed Masoumeh Parsoon from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran to the workshop ‘Defining and Managing River Boundaries and International Rivers’ in Thailand in May 2024. Masoumeh was able to attend thanks to the JRV Prescott Scholarship which helps post graduate students attend training to further their careers in the boundary field.

Masoumeh spoke to Liz Buxton about how the Scholarship has helped her.

What you currently do in your career and how does your work relate to international boundaries and border-related issues?

As a legal-technical expert, my role involves working on existing border agreements and treaties, where I provide negotiation teams with legal and technical advice. This includes interpreting border descriptions and ensuring compliance with the terms outlined in the treaties. For instance, I am responsible for verifying any construction projects near the border to ensure adherence to established boundaries. Additionally, I am involved in delimitating maritime boundaries that are yet to be defined. This entails creating sketches and providing the negotiating team with legal and technical insights for drawing boundary lines. Given that Iran shares land borders with 7 countries and maritime boundaries with 10, my work revolves around addressing land, river, and maritime boundary issues on a daily basis.

Which Postgraduate course did you study and did this course help develop your career?

During my initial years at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I was pursuing my master's degree in Surveying-Geodesy, focusing on enhancing my technical expertise in border-related matters. However, after gaining practical experience in the field for five years, I recognized the importance of integrating legal knowledge into my work. Subsequently, I pursued a postgraduate course in International Public Law, culminating in a thesis on "The Role of Islands in Maritime Delimitation in light of International Judicial and Arbitral Decisions." This academic endeavor significantly enriched my understanding of legal complexities related to border issues and provided valuable insights that I could apply in my daily responsibilities.

Recognizing the importance of continually expanding my expertise, I embarked on a Ph.D. program in International Law at the University of Tehran in 2021. This academic pursuit has allowed me to bridge the gap between legal principles and technical considerations, enabling me to approach international border matters from a comprehensive perspective. The combination of legal and technical knowledge has proven instrumental in navigating the intricate landscape of international border negotiations and agreements.

What made you apply for the Prescott Scholarship Award and how did you feel when you were awarded the Scholarship?

I applied for the Prescott Scholarship Award due to my deep admiration for J.R.V. Prescott's groundbreaking contributions in delimiting maritime boundaries and addressing geographical challenges related to borders. His work has been a source of inspiration for me, and I saw the scholarship as a unique opportunity to further my studies and research in this specialized field. Moreover, the support provided by the scholarship was crucial in enabling me to attend the workshop without constraints, allowing me to focus wholeheartedly on my learning experience.

When I received the email informing me that I had been awarded the Prescott Scholarship, I was overcome with a sense of joy and gratitude. The recognition of my dedication and potential by such a prestigious scholarship committee was truly humbling. It reaffirmed my commitment to advancing my knowledge and skills in geodesy and international law, fueling my motivation to excel in my academic pursuits. The scholarship not only validated my hard work but also provided me with the means to continue my academic journey with renewed enthusiasm and determination.

How to you think the IBRU workshop ‘Defining and Managing River Boundaries and international River’, the course paid for by the Scholarship, has helped you in your career?

The workshop not only enhanced my understanding of the complexities involved in defining and managing river boundaries but also equipped me with practical skills that I could immediately apply in my professional role. The interaction with experienced tutors and engaging in challenging exercises during the course broadened my perspective and introduced me to innovative approaches in addressing issues related to international rivers.

The knowledge and insights gained from the IBRU workshop have been invaluable in shaping my career trajectory and have significantly contributed to my professional growth. The course has enabled me to approach my job with a more informed and strategic mindset, allowing me to tackle challenges more effectively and make well-informed decisions in the field of managing river boundaries. Moreover, the workshop reinforced my belief that border lines are not just separation lines but also a means of cooperation. I am grateful for the opportunity provided by the Prescott Scholarship to attend this workshop, as it has been instrumental in enhancing my skills, expanding my knowledge base, and furthering my career aspirations in this specialized area of study.

Would you have been able to attend workshop if the funding from the Prescott Scholarship had not been available and how important was this Scholarship to you?

The Prescott Scholarship was instrumental in enabling me to attend the workshop on managing river boundaries and international rivers. The scholarship not only facilitated my participation in the workshop but also served as a recognition of my work and potential in this field.

The importance of the Prescott Scholarship to me cannot be overstated. It not only made it possible for me to access high-quality training and expertise but also validated my dedication and commitment to advancing my knowledge and skills in managing river boundaries. The scholarship has had a significant impact on my professional development and has opened up new opportunities for me in my career. I am truly grateful for the support and recognition provided by the Prescott Scholarship, as it has been instrumental in shaping my journey towards becoming an expert in this specialized area of study.