A S U

As part of Ain Shams University’s strategy to strengthen its international academic and research partnerships and expand cooperation with prestigious universities and scientific institutions worldwide, and under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, and Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research, the University welcomed a high-level delegation from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR), USA, to explore ways to enhance cooperation in academic and research fields and exchange expertise in emerging technological disciplines.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Amr Shaat, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Rasha Ismail, Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences; Prof. Shereen Rady, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Prof. Marwa Khalifa, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Engineering for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Dr. Engy Nouh, Director of the International Cooperation Office at the International Relations and Academic Cooperation Sector; and Dr. Hend El-Messiri, Coordinating Member of the International Cooperation Office.

The delegation from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock included Dr. Ahmed Abdelhalim, Professor of Computer and Information Sciences, Director of the School of Computer and Information Sciences, and Director of the University’s Energy Analytics Research Center; Mr. Philip Dale Hoff, Director of the Cyber Arena Research and Learning Center; and Dr. Nermin Sabry, Egyptian Cultural and Educational Counselor and Director of the Egyptian Cultural and Educational Bureau at the Embassy of the Arab Republic of Egypt in Washington, D.C.

During the meeting, the American delegation presented an overview of the academic structure and scientific disciplines offered by the School of Computer and Information Sciences, highlighting the integration of various academic departments under a single school to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and support the development of educational and research programs.

The delegation also highlighted several distinguished academic programs, particularly in computer science and cybersecurity, noting the University's leading position in this field within the state of Arkansas. It also presented a comprehensive degree program specializing in artificial intelligence, allowing students to pursue AI as an independent field of study from the beginning of their university education and complete 120 credit hours in the discipline.

The presentation further addressed the University’s future plans, including the introduction of a graduate certificate in quantum computing, as well as programs in health informatics and information law, reflecting the growing importance of these disciplines and their increasing intersection with technological advancements and societal needs.

The delegation indicated that several of these disciplines are offered at multiple academic levels, including graduate certificates and bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, providing diverse educational and research pathways for students and researchers.

Scholarship, Training, and Employment Opportunities for Students and Researchers

The meeting explored prospects for cooperation across several academic and research fields, including student and faculty exchanges and the implementation of joint research projects in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and bioinformatics, as well as medical imaging applications in health informatics.

The University of Arkansas delegation also outlined several educational and training opportunities available to Ain Shams University students, including employment and internship opportunities. These included 40 fully funded opportunities for master’s and doctoral students, in addition to summer camp programs offering support packages covering accommodation, transportation, and meals, with the possibility of receiving partial or full financial assistance. Such opportunities are expected to enhance students’ international academic exposure and develop their research and practical skills.

Both sides also discussed opportunities for cooperation in cybersecurity, drawing on their combined expertise to develop training programs and workshops and provide cybersecurity services to institutions. Discussions further addressed mechanisms for securing funding and scholarships and attracting outstanding Ain Shams University students to participate in research projects and serve as teaching and research assistants at the University of Arkansas. The two universities also explored establishing direct communication channels to facilitate student nominations and maximize the benefits of available opportunities.

During the meeting, Dr. Engy Nouh, Director of the International Cooperation Office at the International Relations and Academic Cooperation Sector, delivered a presentation outlining the establishment and development of Ain Shams University, its academic and administrative sectors, and its various faculties and institutes. She also highlighted the University’s ongoing advancements in education and research, its key areas of excellence, and its academic specializations. The presentation further covered the establishment of the International Relations and Academic Cooperation Sector and its major activities and events, showcasing the University’s academic and research capabilities and opening new avenues for cooperation with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

The meeting reflects Ain Shams University’s commitment to expanding its international cooperation network, benefiting from the academic and research expertise of leading universities worldwide, and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and health informatics. These efforts aim to support the development of academic programs, strengthen academic exchanges and joint scientific research, and provide promising educational, training, and research pathways for the University’s students and researchers.