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A meeting of the Graduate Studies and Research Sector Council at Ain Shams University was held under the chairmanship of Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, and attended by the Vice Deans for Graduate Studies and Research from the University's faculties, as well as Council members.

Prof. Amany Osama Kamel opened the session by extending her congratulations to the faculty members on the Islamic New Year, praying that it brings prosperity, blessings, and well-being to all.

She also congratulated Prof. Tarek Zaghloul on his appointment as Vice Dean of the Faculty of Law for Graduate Studies and Research, wishing him success in his new role.

In addition, she expressed her sincere appreciation to Prof. Yassin El Shazly, Dean of the Faculty of Law, for his dedicated efforts and distinguished contributions during his tenure as Vice Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

In light of the importance of promoting international scientific publishing, expanding the global reach of Egyptian intellectual output, enhancing the international standing of Egyptian researchers, and improving the quality of scientific publication and research performance indicators, the Council discussed recent developments regarding the Supreme Council of Universities’ decision to introduce an optional track for submitting master's and doctoral theses at Egyptian universities. This initiative aligns with the State’s vision of encouraging international scientific publication, increasing the global visibility of Egyptian research output, strengthening the international profile of Egyptian scholars, and improving research quality to enhance academic rankings and scientific excellence.

Prof. Amany Osama Kamel explained that the Supreme Council of Universities approved this optional track as part of the implementation of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research 2030, which emphasizes the importance of international benchmarking in higher education and scientific research. She noted that this track represents a qualitative addition to, rather than a replacement for, the currently applied traditional system.

She emphasized that implementation of the optional track is subject to approval by the relevant academic bodies, beginning with the academic department council and the Graduate Studies and Research Committee, followed by the faculty council, and culminating in approval by the University Council, thereby ensuring quality implementation and the achievement of its intended objectives.

She added that the optional track constitutes a positive step toward enhancing the international academic reputation of Egyptian universities, as it contributes to improving research quality through publication in prestigious international journals. It also reflects a model successfully implemented by many international universities and demonstrates Egyptian universities’ alignment with global developments in graduate studies and scientific research.

She further clarified that the optional track is not mandatory. Students who are unable to meet the international publication requirements may continue through the conventional route, which involves preparing a complete thesis, publishing research in accordance with the applicable regulations, and defending the thesis to obtain the academic degree.

Regarding the regulations governing the optional track, she explained that all research supervisors must be listed as co-authors on the published scientific paper, while the student must be the first author.

She also noted that publication must be in internationally recognized Q1-ranked journals. For the master’s degree, students are required to publish one Review Article and one Original Research Paper in a Q1 journal. For the Doctoral degree, students must publish one Review Article and two Original Research Papers in Q1 journals.

Prof. Amany Osama Kamel stressed that these requirements are designed to ensure the quality of published research, enhance the international competitiveness of Egyptian researchers, and confirm that researchers possess a thorough understanding of the study methodology, results, interpretations, and recommendations, thereby achieving the highest standards of quality and excellence in scientific research.

As part of the University’s efforts to develop the graduate studies system, promote digital transformation, and strengthen the academic marketing of educational programs, Professor Kamel directed faculties to update the data and content related to graduate programs on the University's UMS platform, as well as update information concerning research centers and sector-affiliated units.

She also emphasized the importance of preparing an integrated marketing plan to promote graduate programs across the University's faculties, thereby enhancing their competitiveness, attracting more students and researchers, and highlighting the distinguished academic and research opportunities offered by the University.

During the meeting, several scientific and research-related topics were reviewed. Prof. Dalia Hussein Mohamed Fahmy, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Specific Education for Graduate Studies and Research, presented the faculties’ research plans, graduate studies indicators, best practices, publication rates, and scientific activities, seminars, and conferences. The presentation aimed to facilitate the exchange of expertise among faculties and monitor the implementation of the University’s Graduate Studies and Research Plan.

The Council also reviewed a presentation by Dr. Dalia Youssef on the report of the Center for Educational Strategy Development and Research, which highlighted progress in implementing the University's digital transformation system and the development and enhancement of the e-Portfolio feature for graduate students.

The presentation underscored the importance of the e-Portfolio as a digital tool for documenting students’ achievements, skills, and professional competencies, contributing to self-assessment and reflective thinking, enhancing career readiness, documenting learning outcomes and continuous professional development, and establishing a clear connection between academic activities and career pathways.

In this context, Prof. Amany Osama Kamel commended the effectiveness and efficiency of the program, emphasizing its role in supporting the quality of the educational process, developing graduate students’ skills, and positively impacting their academic and professional growth.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Dina Lashin, Director of the International Students Administration, presented an update on the status of international students and reviewed efforts to complete and update the data of international graduate students on the UMS platform. She stressed the importance of reviewing, completing, and verifying international students’ records across all faculties and ensuring that their files are regularly updated.