A S U

The meeting of the Graduate Studies and Research Sector Council at Ain Shams University for the 2025/2026 academic year was held under the chairmanship of Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, and in the presence of the Vice Deans of the faculties for Graduate Studies and Research and members of the Council.

Prof. Amani Osama Kamel opened the session by welcoming the Council members and extending her congratulations on the holy month of Ramadan.

The Council discussed a proposal to update postgraduate regulations in line with the rapid developments in the higher education and scientific research system locally and internationally, in a manner that maximizes academic and research benefits.

The Vice President emphasized the importance of faculties reviewing their regulations and forming specialized committees to update them, while taking into consideration internationally collaborative programs, to enhance the university’s competitiveness and attract more international students.

The Council also reviewed the addition of an AI-powered scientific research tool within the services of the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, aimed at supporting researchers and expanding access to the latest digital technologies. In addition, the Council approved the Scientific and Academic Integrity Guide, which regulates the use of artificial intelligence applications in scientific research at Egyptian universities, ensuring compliance with ethical and academic standards.

As part of strengthening the scientific research system, Prof. Ebtehal El-Demerdash, Chair of the Animal Care and Use Committee, delivered a presentation on the committee’s regulatory guide, outlining its objectives, responsibilities, and mechanisms for reviewing research involving animals in accordance with ethical and international standards, as well as procedures for obtaining the necessary approvals.

The Vice President commended the committee’s efforts and stressed the importance of ensuring the readiness of animal care and housing facilities at the faculties, full compliance with approved standards, and representation of all relevant faculties within the committee’s regulatory framework.

The Council also discussed the challenges facing the implementation of postgraduate programs through distance learning (Online). Dr. Dalia Youssef, Director of the Central E-Learning Unit, presented a comprehensive report on efforts to develop the e-learning ecosystem, digital education platforms, and training programs on artificial intelligence applications in teaching and learning, in addition to a detailed study on offering fully online postgraduate programs in accordance with academic quality standards.

In support of scientific publishing and digital transformation, the Council reviewed the plan to complete the activation of the “Shams Scholar” platform. The Faculties of Pharmacy, Computer and Information Sciences, and Science were selected as pilot models to identify challenges and ensure the comprehensive uploading of research and scientific projects under faculty supervision and with the support of a specialized content review team, contributing to enhancing the university’s international visibility and increasing scientific publication rates.

The Council also reviewed a report on international students and discussed a comprehensive proposal for new mechanisms to attract them. Prof. Dina Lasheen, Director of the International Students Office, presented two main pillars: improving the international student experience throughout the application, admission, and study phases, and strengthening international marketing and promotion efforts for university programs, as well as opening new markets to attract students from diverse nationalities.

In this context, the Vice President stressed the importance of providing proper reception for international students, expediting their administrative procedures, assigning faculty members to supervise them, and offering specialized training programs tailored to their academic needs.

The meeting also included a presentation of the monthly performance report of the Networks and Information Technology Center by Dr. Mahmoud Fayez, Director of the Center. In addition, Prof. Rasha Ismail, Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, reviewed the periodic report on digital transformation and automation of the sector through the UMS system and the university website. She noted that Ain Shams University advanced by 219 positions globally in the Webometrics ranking, reflecting the development of its digital infrastructure and strengthened international academic presence.

In support of quality and academic accreditation, Prof. Miriam Ayad, Director of the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Unit, presented the monthly report on the unit’s activities, including follow-up visits to faculties preparing for accreditation and ongoing efforts to register the university within the National Qualifications Framework, enhancing its academic standing in alignment with national and international standards.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Prof. Amany Osama Kamel reaffirmed Ain Shams University’s commitment to advancing postgraduate studies and scientific research, promoting innovation and digital transformation, and creating an attractive academic environment for Egyptian and international students, thereby strengthening the university’s position as a leading educational and research institution at the regional and international levels.