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As part of Ain Shams University's strategy to strengthen its research ecosystem and enhance the efficiency of its research centers and laboratories, Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, held a meeting with the heads of the research centers affiliated with the Graduate Studies and Research Sector as part of a series of regular meetings. The meeting was attended by Professor Hoda Sosa, Professor of Irrigation and Hydraulics at the Faculty of Engineering and Director of the Grants and Projects Administration. The discussions focused on reviewing progress, identifying challenges, and developing practical mechanisms to improve the efficiency of research centers and enhance their competitiveness at both the national and international levels.

Prof. Amany Osama Kamel opened the meeting by commending the vital role played by the University's medical research centers in advancing the research ecosystem. She emphasized that these regular meetings provide an effective platform for direct communication with research center administrations, monitoring performance, identifying challenges, and supporting the University's strategic objectives in scientific research and innovation.

She affirmed that the University has adopted a comprehensive vision to strengthen integration among all research laboratories, centers, and units across its faculties. This approach aims to maximize the utilization of research capabilities and available resources while creating broader opportunities for researchers to secure international research projects, grants, and funding, thereby enhancing their academic and research competitiveness.

Professor Kamel also announced that a comprehensive evaluation form has been prepared for all research laboratories in coordination with the Vice Deans for Graduate Studies and Research across the University's faculties. The form will be updated and redistributed to ensure the inclusion of every laboratory within all academic departments without exception, paving the way for establishing a comprehensive database and mapping of Ain Shams University's research laboratories.

She explained that the evaluation will assess laboratories from multiple perspectives, including infrastructure and facilities, logistical readiness, digital infrastructure and network connectivity, scientific equipment and its operational status, laboratory classification (Dry/Wet), research services provided to both internal and external researchers, as well as national and international accreditations.

Professor Kamel noted that this assessment represents a fundamental step toward identifying actual development needs and estimating the financial resources required to upgrade research laboratories. She further announced the completion of a Research Project Management Procedures Manual and Support Funding Policies, which will be circulated to all University faculties to serve as a unified reference for managing research projects—from project ideation and proposal submission through implementation, monitoring, and final closure. The manual is intended to reinforce governance principles while clearly defining administrative and financial responsibilities and procedures.

She also confirmed that 0.5% of the University's and faculties' total financial resources has been allocated to support scientific research by funding competitive research projects that meet the established criteria. In addition, an internal funding mechanism has been introduced to support research proposals that received outstanding scientific evaluations but were unsuccessful in securing external funding. This initiative aims to foster innovative ideas and strengthen researchers' ability to implement their projects. She encouraged faculty staff and researchers to take advantage of the available funding opportunities.

During the meeting, Prof. Hoda Sosa delivered a presentation on strategies for achieving international research excellence. Her presentation highlighted funding opportunities available through the Horizon Europe program, as well as the technical and advisory services provided by the Grants and Projects Administration to assist researchers in preparing competitive proposals. She also reviewed Ain Shams University's academic and research strengths, international application and evaluation procedures, the research project life cycle, and the institutional Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) used to measure research impact and strengthen the University's global competitiveness.

Prof. Abdel Nasser Sengab, Emeritus Professor of Pharmacognosy at the Faculty of Pharmacy and former Vice President of Ain Shams University for Graduate Studies and Research, also presented an overview of the Drug Discovery Research and Development Center at the Faculty of Pharmacy. He reviewed the Center's establishment, objectives, research capabilities, specialized scientific equipment, key challenges, and future requirements for strengthening its research infrastructure and maximizing its scientific potential.

Professor Fatma Obaid, Professor of Pediatrics, Consultant in Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Director of the Egyptian Cancer Research Center, and Deputy Director of the Malaysian Egyptian Medical Research Institute (MASRI), delivered a presentation outlining the Center's vision, mission, and history. She also reviewed its affiliated research units, whose representatives introduced the specialized research services provided by each unit and highlighted their contributions to advancing scientific research and promoting multidisciplinary collaboration.

The meeting concluded with an open discussion session, during which attendees' questions were addressed and their proposals were considered. The discussions contributed valuable recommendations for enhancing the performance of the University's research centers and laboratories and supporting Ain Shams University's continued pursuit of excellence and leadership in scientific research.