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Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, attended the ceremony honoring recipients of the International Publishing Reward, named after Prof. Ahmed Hussein, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering, in recognition of his distinguished academic legacy as one of Egypt’s leading figures in mechanical engineering and for his remarkable engineering achievement in relocating the statue of Ramesses II to the Grand Egyptian Museum without dismantling it. The ceremony was held as part of the activities of the University’s 14th Scientific Conference under the theme: “Universities as Engines of National Development… Towards Innovation and Sustainable Economic Growth.”

The event was attended by Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research and Executive President of the Conference; Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; and Prof. Ramy Maher Ghali, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, alongside the family of the late Prof. Ahmed Hussein, and a host of deans, faculty staff, and researchers.

In his remarks, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen highlighted the University’s steady progress in international publishing, noting that the number of research papers indexed in Scopus reached 4,265 in 2024, rising to 4,558 in 2025—an increase of 293 papers—reflecting the growing quality of scientific output and the confidence of the global academic community. He added that 2,186 papers meeting the criteria for the International Publication Award were approved across the January and July 2024 cycles, with total financial support exceeding EGP 15.5 million, as part of the University’s commitment to incentivizing researchers and fostering an innovation-driven environment.

He further emphasized that this progress reflects a strategic vision placing scientific research at the forefront of the University’s priorities, enhancing its standing in international rankings and supporting sustainable development goals. He noted that this excellence extends to students, underscoring the University’s success in nurturing a new generation of researchers, and reaffirmed its commitment to expanding international collaboration and advancing Egypt’s role in global knowledge production.

For her part, Prof. Amani Osama Kamel stressed that scientific research is no longer limited to publication but has become “a mission to create impact and shape the future,” highlighting the power of knowledge and determination in driving real change and elevating the University’s global standing, from publication to impact, and from knowledge to application. She expressed her appreciation to the University President for his continued support of the research ecosystem and praised supervisors and research teams as “true partners” in success.

She also announced the launch of a new funding policy allocating 0.5% of the total income of the University, its faculties, and units to support applied scientific research, alongside expanding access to global databases and strengthening strategic partnerships with international universities and industry sectors to advance applied research. She concluded by inviting researchers to apply for the University’s strategic research funding calls and distinguished applied research projects to achieve tangible scientific and societal impact.

The ceremony also honored the family of the late Prof. Ahmed Hussein in recognition of his outstanding academic contributions.

Notably, Ain Shams University’s total international research output between 2020 and 2025 reached 24,023 publications indexed in Scopus. Citations during 2024 and 2025 approached 57,000, with an average of 6.4 citations per paper, while the field-weighted citation impact reached 1.83, exceeding the global average by 83%.

In terms of journal rankings, 50.6% of publications appeared in Q1 journals, 25% in Q2, and 25% in Q3 and Q4 combined. The medical and engineering sectors accounted for 31% and 18% of total research output respectively, with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) leading at nearly 5,870 publications.

Regarding publication incentives, the Prof. Ahmed Hussein cohort (cycles 34 and 35) included 2,329 submitted papers, of which 2,186 qualified for awards, involving 2,257 researchers, with a total value of EGP 15,501,707. In addition, 68 book chapters and 3 books were published with the participation of 90 researchers, receiving EGP 466,500 in awards, while support was approved for publishing 3 international papers worth USD 2,883.58.

The Faculty of Science ranked first in the number of publications with 645 papers, while the Faculty of Medicine recorded the highest number of participating researchers (537), and the Faculty of Pharmacy achieved the highest publication rate relative to its number of researchers.

The two cycles also witnessed notable undergraduate participation, with 7 students from the Faculty of Science in cycle 34 and 5 students from the Faculty of Agriculture in cycle 35, reflecting the growing culture of scientific research among students at early academic stages.