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Under the slogan “75 Years of Excellence and Leadership... An Eye on the Past and a Sun Lighting the Future,” the 13th International Scientific Conference of Ain Shams University highlighted the vital role the university plays in supporting Egypt's major national projects. This was presented in a high-level session attended by senior university officials, led by Prof. Amani Osama Kamel, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Research, who chaired the session. In her speech, Dr. Kamel affirmed that Ain Shams University, with its long-standing history and diverse contributions, has never been detached from the nation's pulse and aspirations. Since its founding, the university has strived to be an active partner in the journey of comprehensive development, dedicating its research and academic capabilities to serve the national projects adopted by the Egyptian state, in alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Projects and Plans of the Faculty of Engineering

Prof. Amr Shaat, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, pointed out that the faculty plays an institutional role in several national projects. This is achieved through the university’s Engineering Consulting Center, as well as through the involvement of university professors serving as consultants for the Engineers Syndicate and various consulting offices.

Among the key projects carried out by the Faculty of Engineering is the design of 11 new national universities, with a total cost of EGP 36 billion. This includes Ain Shams National University. The faculty also participated in developing the curricula for these universities. Additionally, it contributed to the visual identity development project for the Ring Road in preparation for the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum. Other contributions include traffic studies for several vital roads in Greater Cairo and the South Valley Development Project in the Toshka region, which involves reclaiming 475,000 feddans along branches 4 and 4/, in collaboration with the National Service Projects Organization. Furthermore, the faculty established a support unit for overseeing and implementing various projects with a total cost of EGP 28 billion.

A consortium of Ain Shams University engineering professors also designed the urban plans for the New Administrative Capital and contributed to topographic surveys for new cities, including New Alamein, in cooperation with the Military Survey Department, among other initiatives.

Contributions of the Faculty of Agriculture

Prof. Walaa Abdel-Ghani, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, spoke about the faculty’s contributions to national projects in alignment with Egypt’s Vision 2030. This includes the "Mostakbal Misr" (Future of Egypt) Sustainable Development Initiative, specifically the Lahun Sector — a presidentially mandated national project aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in agricultural crops. The project, set to be inaugurated by the end of this year, is designed for export purposes.

The Lahun Sector is one of the strategic projects of the "Mostakbal Misr" organization. It aims to transform the Lahun area into a model of sustainable agriculture and food production by applying the latest agricultural technologies and enhancing productivity per unit of land and water. The project focuses on food security and job creation, contributing to the local economy. It also emphasizes environmental preservation through sustainable resource management and the production of export-quality agricultural goods to generate foreign currency and gain a share in the global agricultural market, thereby ensuring sustainable agricultural production for future generations.

Among the contributions of the Faculty of Agriculture at Ain Shams University is the provision of technical support and agricultural consultancy for export-oriented vegetable crop production projects, such as the strawberry cultivation project in the Abu Sultan sector, affiliated with the National Service Projects Organization. This sector includes 1,700 greenhouses, each covering 2.5 feddans.

The faculty has also contributed to the development of aquaculture through the "Mad 1 to Mad 2" project, conducted between 2009 and 2015 in collaboration with the Italian government. Additionally, the faculty supported small and medium-sized projects through cooperation with the European Union, the French government, and the Ministry of Agriculture. From 2014 to 2016, it worked on developing stations for receiving juvenile fish from small-scale farmers and supported fish production industries in collaboration with small producers.

Another key contribution was the establishment of Egypt’s National Food Safety Authority under Law No. (1) of 2017 by Prof. Dr. Hussein Mansour, the former head of the authority. He also oversaw the issuance of all food safety legislation in Egypt, 35 regulations in total, to align with international standards. The current executive director of the authority is Dr. Amr Mossad. Moreover, the faculty contributed to upgrading milk reception stations to enhance food quality and safety.

Efforts of the Faculty of Medicine

Prof. Sara Hassan, Director of the Genome Unit and Deputy Director of the Ain Shams Medical Research Center (MASRI), elaborated on the Faculty of Medicine’s contributions to national projects. These include the free neonatal intensive care unit at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, with a budget of EGP 138 million; the Pediatric Emergency Department, Blood Transfusion Center, and Chemotherapy Unit, with a cost of EGP 187 million; and the Colorectal Surgery Unit (Surgery Department 6G), costing EGP 40 million.

She also highlighted the Ain Shams Virtual Hospital, which collaborates both locally and internationally. Prof. Sara elaborated on the role of the Ain Shams Medical Research Center (MASRI), describing it as a pioneering institution focused on advancing medical research. Through fostering innovation and collaboration among researchers, MASRI plays a vital role in improving healthcare outcomes via scientific exploration, clinical trials, and comprehensive studies.

She also shared several success stories, including the Egyptian National Cancer Biobank and the certified Center of Scientific Excellence in Integrated Genomic Solutions. A flagship project, MATREX, serves as a national cancer biobank and a certified genomic excellence center. It is the first accredited genomics lab in Egypt, funded by the Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), and functions as a hub for scientific excellence. MATREX supports diagnostics, research, personalized treatment, and the localization of genetic testing in Egypt. The project is the brainchild of Prof. Dr. Hisham El-Ghazaly, Professor of Oncology, Director of Ain Shams Medical Research Center (MASRI), and principal investigator of the project.

She also highlighted the outstanding and pioneering role of the Hepatitis Viruses Unit, particularly in its participation in the National Project for a Hepatitis C-Free Egypt.

Additionally, the university has made notable contributions in the field of bioinformatics, including the establishment of a dedicated Bioinformatics Unit through the MATREX project. It also spearheaded the National Bioinformatics Network (BioNetMasr), a project funded by STDF and managed by a group of national experts from diverse disciplines and applications of bioinformatics. The network aims to expand the scope and impact of bioinformatics analysis for the benefit of public health in Egypt.

Activities of the Faculty of Pharmacy

Prof. Rehab Othman, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, emphasized the vital role her faculty plays in supporting national projects through innovative initiatives and strategic partnerships. One such initiative is the launch of a unique professional master's program that combines theoretical coursework with practical sessions. This program is offered in collaboration with prestigious international universities: Leipzig University (Germany), the University of Lorraine (France), and the University of Athens (Greece).

Moreover, the Faculty of Pharmacy introduced the first specialized master’s degree in Radiopharmacy in Egypt. The faculty is also involved in a pioneering biomanufacturing project in collaboration with the Egyptian Authority for Unified Procurement, Medical Supply, and Technology Management, reinforcing its role in supporting the national pharmaceutical industry and ensuring the availability of essential medical products.

She also expressed the faculty’s pride in hosting the Preclinical and Translational Research Center, one of the Centers of Excellence funded by the Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF). This center aims to provide essential preclinical studies and experiments required for registering clinical drug trials with the Egyptian Drug Authority. It plays a vital role in accelerating drug discovery and development and represents a significant addition to the faculty’s capabilities.

A key component of this ecosystem is the Drug Discovery Research Center, established within the faculty to support researchers and pharmaceutical companies. The center has developed numerous international partnerships, including with Japan and China. Furthermore, the Advanced Pharmaceutical Research and Experimental Center conducts bioequivalent studies for pharmaceutical companies, helping ensure the safety and effectiveness of generic medicines.

She also emphasized the faculty's special focus on collaboration with other universities in the field of vaccine manufacturing, recognizing its importance for public health and national health security. The faculty has secured multiple grants and research projects in partnership with pharmaceutical companies, aiming to submit findings to the Egyptian Drug Authority in preparation for clinical trials. One such study involves evaluating a capsule as a potential treatment for certain types of cancer. Results from many of these studies have already been published in prestigious international scientific journals.

Strategy of the Faculty of Dentistry

Prof. Karim El-Battouti, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, stressed the pivotal role of the university as a national project committed to preparing future generations capable of elevating Egypt’s name on the global stage. He pointed out that the university's efforts to develop its institutions are fully aligned with Egypt’s ambitious plans for comprehensive development.

Within the framework of the faculty’s vision to contribute to this development, especially in the medical sector that provides essential treatment services, Prof. El-Battouti explained that the faculty adopts a strategy based on three main pillars:

Research: The faculty places special emphasis on directing scientific research to meet the needs of the national industry, particularly in the field of manufacturing dental materials. This approach aims to reduce dependence on imports and thereby lower treatment costs for patients. In this context, the faculty partnered with a startup company to develop a new dental implant. The faculty’s Precision Measurement Unit conducts the necessary studies and measurements to ensure the quality and effectiveness of this implant.

Treatment: The faculty seeks to enhance its role in providing treatment services through strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Health. These partnerships include continuing education and training programs aimed at improving the skills of dentists. Additionally, the faculty collaborates with the Ministry of Health in managing the Zahraa Nasr City Dental Center to provide dental services to the public.

Industry: Prof. El-Battouti emphasized the close relationship between industry and research, noting that industry acts as a key driver for directing research towards practical and innovative solutions.

He concluded his speech by reaffirming the Faculty of Dentistry’s national commitment through preparing distinguished professionals, contributing to the development of the medical sector, and directing scientific research to serve industry and society in effective partnership with various national institutions. The faculty is also working to attract dental medical tourism with the support of different state agencies.

Axes of Contributions of the Faculty of Nursing

In her speech, Prof. Sahar Moussa, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, highlighted the active role the faculty plays in supporting various national projects through several key pillars, including institutional capacity development and educational effectiveness. The faculty continuously works on enhancing its institutional capabilities and improving educational effectiveness to ensure the graduation of highly qualified nursing cadres meeting the highest standards.

She added that the Faculty of Nursing at Ain Shams University has made tangible contributions to supporting major national projects by focusing on applied scientific research and innovation in nursing practices and education. The faculty has played a prominent role in developing healthcare protocols, especially in initiatives such as the “100 million Health” campaign for early detection of chronic diseases. Through its research and faculty members, the college has helped raise the efficiency of the nursing staff involved in the project.

She further noted that Ain Shams University is known for the integration of its institutions, and among the notable success stories is the universities and faculty’s participation in the national plan alongside the Ministry of Health to combat COVID-19. The faculty was responsible for isolation facilities in the university city and the vaccination campaign, in cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine at Ain Shams University, which contributed professionally to managing the COVID-19 crisis alongside state and university leadership.

Additionally, the faculty has supported the “Decent Life” initiative by organizing awareness campaigns and training nursing teams in community care, which has helped improve health services in the neediest areas. The faculty has also developed specialized training programs in community nursing and public health, positively impacting the quality of performance in rural health centers.

The faculty actively contributes to national projects and initiatives, primarily the “100 Million Health” initiative, leveraging its experienced cadres and expertise. It also leads specialized programs, having launched the first specialized nursing program in Egypt, including vital specialties such as oncology nursing, critical care, elderly care, and midwifery. This pioneering program aims to serve as a model for other nursing faculties across Egyptian universities.

Moreover, the faculty initiated the first midwifery fellowship program in Egypt, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Egyptian Health Council. This program aims to help reduce cesarean section rates. The faculty has also established a virtual laboratory project to ensure the quality of student training.

In addition, the faculty supervises academic affairs at military technical institutes and emphasizes training students in effective interaction with people with special needs. The faculty is actively involved in several important community initiatives such as the “Decent Life” initiative and addiction prevention, reflecting its commitment to serving society.

She pointed out that the faculty adopts a forward-looking vision focused on applied research that serves the state’s sustainable development goals and contributes to achieving sustainable development.

The Role of the Faculty of Education

On her part, Prof. Safaa Shehata, Dean of the Faculty of Education, confirmed the faculty’s role in several national projects aimed at serving various sectors of society. Among the most prominent projects is the “Educational Qualification Project for Teachers Without Educational Qualifications”, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Technical Education and the Professional Academy for Teachers. It targets qualifying around 50,000 teachers across 16 governorates including Cairo, Alexandria, Beheira, Gharbia, Sharqia, Dakahlia, Ismailia, Suez, Minya, Fayoum, Beni Suef, Marsa Matrouh, Luxor, Aswan, New Valley, and Assiut.

The faculty also participates in the project “Building the Capacities of Teachers Integrating Children with Disabilities in Kindergartens”, and the “Inclusive Education Project” in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and UNICEF, aiming to qualify 763 kindergarten workers and train 80 trainers to support 153 inclusive schools in Beheira, Assiut, and Sohag governorates. The inclusive education project targeted training 1,400 basic education teachers, special education officials, and training units in Giza, Alexandria, and Aswan.

In the field of entrepreneurship, the faculty participates in the “Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship” project, implemented in cooperation with Misr El-Kheir Foundation, Green Line Consult, and several institutions in the European Union (Spain, Sweden, and Greece). The project targets qualifying education and vocational training providers, teachers, students, and women entrepreneurs.

The faculty also collaborated with seven American universities and four Egyptian universities to accredit seven programs for preparing STEM teachers and school administrators, with the first national graduation batch expected this year.

In its community efforts, the faculty requires its students to participate in literacy programs, resulting in about 14,500 individuals becoming literate and creating a database of 10,000 illiterate individuals targeted by these efforts.

Future Vision

In response to a question from the Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research regarding the future vision and how academic institutions can better align with government and private sector goals in upcoming national projects:

Localization of Technological Industries

Prof. Amr Shaat, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, stated that the future vision of the Faculty of Engineering aims to deepen its institutional contributions to national projects through developing innovative and sustainable engineering solutions. They seek to localize advanced technological industries in electric vehicles and solar cells and aspire to become a national center of expertise in smart cities and artificial intelligence applications.

Achieving Self-Sufficiency in Agricultural Crops

Prof. Walaa Abdel Ghani, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, answered that the future vision of the Faculty of Agriculture centers on enhancing its vital role in achieving food security and self-sufficiency in agricultural crops, in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 and national projects in this sector. They strive to develop modern and sustainable agricultural technologies, improve the quality of agricultural production, and meet export requirements. To better align with these goals, cooperation between the faculty, relevant government agricultural bodies, and the private sector should be strengthened through joint applied research focusing on solving production challenges, providing technical consultations for national agricultural projects, and developing training programs for farmers and agricultural workers on the latest technologies and agricultural practices.

Strengthening Partnerships with Healthcare Institutions

Prof. Sara Hassan, Director of the Genomics Unit and Deputy Director of the Ain Shams University Medical Center Research Institute (MASRI) responded that the Faculty of Medicine and MASRI aspire to play a leading role in supporting national health projects by developing medical scientific research and innovation in the fields of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

She added, "We seek to translate scientific discoveries into practical solutions that contribute to improving citizens' health and supporting the state's efforts to develop the health sector. To achieve greater alignment, partnerships must be strengthened between the college and public and private health institutions. This can be achieved by conducting joint clinical research to evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments, developing training programs for doctors and healthcare workers, and contributing to the development of evidence-based health policies. Supporting the research infrastructure and providing the necessary funding for national priority medical research is also crucial."

Achieving Drug Security

Prof. Rehab Othman, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, responded that the Faculty of Pharmacy's future vision is to be a leading center in the field of pharmaceutical sciences and pharmaceutical industries, effectively contributing to achieving drug security and supporting national projects in this sector. We seek to develop innovative research in the field of drug discovery and development, enhance cooperation with national pharmaceutical industries, and graduate qualified pharmacists capable of meeting the needs of the labor market.

She added that to achieve greater alignment, research and industrial cooperation must be strengthened between the college, the Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority, and pharmaceutical companies. This can be achieved by conducting joint research to develop and manufacture medicines locally, providing scientific and technical consultations to pharmaceutical companies, and developing specialized training programs for pharmaceutical industry personnel.

Supporting the Center for Preclinical and Translational Research also contributes to accelerating the pace of drug discovery and development.

Meeting the needs of national industry

In response to the question, Prof. Karim El-Batouti, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, emphasized that the Faculty of Dentistry aspires to enhance its role as a fundamental pillar in developing the dental sector in Egypt, in a way that serves the state's goals of providing high-quality medical services to citizens. The faculty seeks to direct our research towards meeting the needs of the national dental industry and developing strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Health to provide integrated medical services.

Developing nursing practice

Prof. Sahar Moussa, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing, responded, "The future vision of the Faculty of Nursing at Ain Shams University is to be a leading center for developing evidence-based nursing practice and a key contributor to achieving sustainable health development goals."

The faculty seeks to strengthen partnerships with government institutions and the private sector by integrating students into practical training within national health projects and providing applied research opportunities linked to actual community needs.

The faculty also seeks to expand its continuing education programs and promote innovation in healthcare practices using technology, such as telenursing and simulation systems in training.

This vision provides students with the opportunity to participate in national initiatives through graduation projects, field training, and work in joint research teams seeking practical solutions to Egypt's health challenges.

Reinforcing positive behaviors

Prof. Safaa Shehata, Dean of the Faculty of Education, stated that the faculty's future vision is based on its community commitment, as the faculty looks forward to participating in developing a comprehensive strategy to promote positive behaviors among children and youth.

The faculty, with the participation of its members, seeks to use multiple awareness and empowerment tools to prevent and treat negative behaviors that could lead to an individual's isolation from his family, community, and country.

This comes within the framework of the faculty's efforts to promote the values ​​of belonging and loyalty, and to activate its role as a leading educational institution in serving the community.

Integration with the Government and Private Sector

Prof. Amani Osama Kamel, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research, commented, emphasizing that the future visions of Ain Shams University faculties agreed on the importance of strengthening partnerships and integration with the government and the private sector in upcoming national projects. This requires ongoing dialogue, clear identification of needs, directing research and studies to meet these needs, developing joint educational and training programs, and activating the role of specialized research and advisory units. Through this close cooperation, academic institutions can effectively contribute to achieving sustainable development goals and serving the community.

Her Excellency added, "Our future vision at Ain Shams University is to enhance our role as an effective strategic partner in achieving the Egyptian state's sustainable development goals and Vision 2030. We seek to make our scientific research and innovations pivotal in finding solutions to the challenges facing major national projects, and to graduate qualified personnel with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute effectively to these projects.

To achieve greater alignment with the goals of the government and the private sector, we see the need to strengthen communication channels and partnerships between the university and these entities.

In addition, we can develop joint educational and training programs aimed at qualifying the competencies required for the labor market and the needs of national projects."

Prof. Amani Osama Kamel, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research, concluded the session by outlining a future vision for models of contributions by the university's various faculties and research centers in supporting these projects, starting with applied scientific research that serves vital sectors such as health, agriculture, industry, and engineering, and extending to providing specialized consultations and studies that contribute to the effective planning and implementation of these projects. She praised the combined efforts of academic and research institutions with the governmental and private sectors to maximize the benefit from national capabilities to drive the wheel of sustainable development. Her Excellency then honored the deans who spoke during the session by awarding them the Ain Shams University Shield.