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In a further affirmation of Ain Shams University's position as a leading regional center for medical education, scientific research, and specialized training, the Ain Shams University Neurosurgery Department International Conference (ASNS 2026) commenced. This year's conference, dedicated entirely to pediatric neurosurgery, was held under the theme "Shaping the Future of Young Minds," reflecting the university's commitment to supporting specialized fields and enhancing the quality of healthcare for children.

The conference was held under the auspices of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Ali El Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the Board of Directors of University Hospitals.

The conference featured a distinguished scientific partnership with the British Society of Neurological Surgeons (SBNS), a collaboration considered one of the conference's highlights. A Masterclass in Pediatric Neurosurgery was organized, bringing together leading neurosurgeons from the United Kingdom and several other countries, thus enhancing the transfer of global expertise and developing the skills of Egyptian medical professionals.

The conference adopted the slogan "One Team... One Goal: Excellence in Multidisciplinary Pediatric Neurosurgical Care," emphasizing the importance of integrated work in providing the highest levels of care for complex and delicate cases.

The conference's scientific program included 10 main scientific sessions and 74 research papers, in addition to panel discussions and scientific debates addressing the latest developments in pediatric neurosurgery. Five specialized workshops were also held before and after the conference, focusing on practical training and knowledge transfer in the latest surgical techniques.

In his address, Prof. Tarek Lotfy, Head of the Neurosurgery Department, emphasized the department's significant development through the expansion of subspecialties and the establishment of specialized units, most notably the Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit. This has directly impacted the quality of care provided to complex cases and contributed to the development of training programs according to the latest international standards, preparing a new generation of neurosurgeons.

For his part, Prof. Hazem Mustafa, the conference chair, explained that dedicating the conference entirely to pediatric neurosurgery reflects Ain Shams University's commitment to supporting continuing medical education, scientific research, and specialized fields. He emphasized that the conference represents an advanced scientific platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing the latest scientific advancements in this field, thus enhancing the university's regional and international leadership.

The conference witnessed broad participation from a select group of international experts, hosting 14 experts from the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Croatia, Tunisia, and Morocco, in addition to leading British neurosurgeons, including Dr. Mario Tew, Dr. Richard Edwards, Dr. Ramez Ibrahim, Dr. Ross Fisher, and Dr. Ajay Sinha. The conference was organized under the supervision of Dr. Hisham Zaki, Head of the Department of Pediatric Surgery at the University of Sheffield.

The conference enjoyed official support and participation from major international and regional scientific bodies, with the attendance of Prof. Nasser El-Ghandour, Vice President of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS); Prof. Abdel Samad El-Wahabi, President of the Continental Association of African Neurosurgical Societies (CAANS); Prof. Mahdi Darmoul, President of the Arab Society of Neurosurgery; and Prof. Ibrahim Awais, President of the Egyptian Society of Neurological Surgeons. This reflects the depth of scientific cooperation between Egypt and its Arab, African, and international partners.

Over two days, the conference discussed the latest scientific issues in pediatric neurosurgery, including the treatment of hydrocephalus, brain tumors, congenital defects, drug-resistant epilepsy, and spinal surgery. It also showcased the latest techniques in microsurgical, endoscopic, and guided surgery.

The conference was keen to enhance the practical aspect by organizing five specialized workshops, which included interventional vascular surgery, neuroendoscopic surgery, and endoscopic spine surgery, in addition to advanced training workshops in the laboratories of the Princess Fatima Center for Continuing Medical Education on skull base surgery, functional nerve surgery, epilepsy surgery, and pediatric neurosurgery.

In this context, Dr. Fadi El-Mahraqi, Head of the Functional Neurosurgery Division of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies, praised the scientific and organizational level of the workshops. He announced his intention to seek accreditation for the functional neurosurgery workshops organized by the Neurosurgery Department at Ain Shams University as officially accredited training programs by the World Federation, thus enhancing the university’s international academic standing.

The conference's organizing committee included Prof. Mohamed Alaa El-Din as Secretary-General, Prof. Khaled Saud as Chairman of the Organizing Committee, and Prof. Hamdi Ibrahim as Chairman of the Scientific Committee.

The conference concluded with several important recommendations, most notably strengthening cooperation between regional and international research centers, expanding the application of modern surgical techniques, including microsurgical techniques, endoscopy, and Gamma Knife surgery, and increasing practical training programs for young doctors. These measures aim to improve the level of healthcare for children and solidify Ain Shams University’s position as a leading academic and medical institution regionally and internationally.