In 2006, under the leadership of President Janet Afary, AIS instituted two new awards for Life-Time Achievement in Iranian Studies. The first Life-Time Achievement in Iranian Studies Award for a Scholar Residing and Working inside Iran was conferred on Professor Emeritus Iraj Afshar. Professor Ehsan Yarshater was chosen to receive the first Life-Time Achievement in Iranian Studies Award for a Scholar Residing and Working Outside of Iran.
