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As part of the fruitful cooperation between Ain Shams University and the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, a ceremony was held to discuss the graduation projects of the seventh cohort of the Specialized Professional Diploma in Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for the 2025/2026 academic year. The event was held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President of the University for Graduate Studies and Research.

The ceremony was attended by Prof. Abdel Aziz Belal, President of the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences; Prof. Rasha Bondok, Head of the Department of Geography at the Faculty of Education, Ain Shams University, and the University’s Program Coordinator; Prof. Ghada Atta, Head of the Training Division and Program Coordinator at the Authority; and Dr. Nermeen Netaei, Academic Advisor of the Diploma.

In his address, Prof. Abdel Aziz Belal emphasized that the diploma represents a successful model of institutional cooperation between Ain Shams University and the Authority. He noted that the program has continued for the seventh consecutive year, reflecting its success in preparing qualified professionals capable of meeting labor market needs. He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of those who established and supported the program, commending the role of Prof. Ghada Atta and Prof. Rasha Bondok in advancing its progress.

He pointed out that the diversity of the graduation projects and their relevance to real-world challenges, including medical and environmental fields, reflect the importance of employing remote sensing, geographic information systems, and artificial intelligence technologies to support scientific research and provide innovative practical solutions. He also praised the integration of theoretical study and practical training, expressing his aspiration to expand areas of cooperation between the two institutions and congratulating the students and their families on their achievement.

For her part, Prof. Rasha Bondok expressed her pride in the longstanding partnership with the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, stressing that the diploma represents a model of integration between the academic expertise of Ain Shams University and the Authority’s research and applied capabilities.

She explained that the program combines academic education with specialized practical training in remote sensing, satellite image analysis, and geographic information systems, contributing to the preparation of professionals capable of keeping pace with labor market requirements. She also thanked the Diploma Board, and everyone involved in the program for their role in ensuring its continuity and excellence.

Prof. Ghada Atta emphasized that the diploma builds on a successful cooperation with Ain Shams University that began in 2018 and demonstrates the importance of integration between research institutions and universities in preparing specialized professionals.

She noted that the program provides comprehensive study of remote sensing and geographic information systems as part of accredited postgraduate programs, combining scientific knowledge with practical application.

She expressed her pleasure at the discussion of the seventh cohort’s graduation projects, praising the remarkable progress in the students’ performance and the specialized knowledge and skills they had acquired. She also commended the efforts of project supervisors, faculty members, and the academic and administrative teams at both the University and the Authority for their role in supporting students and ensuring the quality of the educational process.

Prof. Abdel-Messih Youssef, Chair of the Discussion Committee, also extended his thanks and appreciation to Prof. Amani Osama Kamel, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Graduate Studies and Research, for her support of the diploma projects and her commitment to strengthening educational and applied programs. He emphasized the importance of continuing cooperation between Ain Shams University and the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences to further develop postgraduate studies and scientific research and prepare specialized professionals in line with labor market needs.

The students presented their graduation projects, which addressed several environmental issues. Among the most notable were a project entitled “Assessment and Monitoring of Nature Reserves Using Remote Sensing Techniques”, and another entitled “Time-Series Analysis of Changes in Lake Manzala and Their Environmental Impact.”

The Discussion Committee was chaired by Prof. Abdel-Messih Samaan Abdel-Messih Youssef, Professor at the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Environmental Research, Ain Shams University. The committee also included Prof. Sameh El-Kafrawy, Professor and Head of the Department of Marine Sciences at the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, and Prof. Walid Abbas Abdel-Rady Hassan, Professor of Physical Geography and Applications of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems at the Faculty of Arts, Ain Shams University.

At the conclusion of the event, several faculty members and supervisors were honored in recognition of their distinguished efforts in supervising the projects and supporting the students. They included Prof. Abdel-Messih Samaan, Prof. Sameh El-Kafrawy, Prof. Walid Abbas, Prof. Mohamed Abdel-Rahman, Dr. Ayman Attia, Dr. Asmaa Abdo, Eng. Michael Nagy, Eng. Badr El-Din Ibrahim, Eng. Saad El-Sayed, Dr. Abdel-Hamid Abdel-Zaher, and Dr. Andrew Metry.

Student Abdel-Rahman Soliman, who ranked first in the sixth cohort of the Remote Sensing Diploma, was also honored in recognition of his academic excellence and outstanding achievement.