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As part of its efforts to support the research ecosystem and strengthen international partnerships, especially following Egypt’s official accession to the Horizon Europe program, Ain Shams University hosted an extensive informational session on the EURAXESS and Horizon Europe programs, as part of the EU-Egypt Research & Innovation Week.

The event was held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University; Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; and Prof. Sherweit El-Ahmady, Executive Director of the Sector of International Relations and Academic Collaboration. It was organized by the University’s Graduate Studies and Research Sector in collaboration with the Grants and Projects Department of the International Relations Sector.

Prof. Sherweit El-Ahmady welcomed attendees, including representatives from the European Union, international research institutions, faculty members, and researchers, expressing gratitude to Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen and Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, and appreciating the efforts of the Graduate Studies and Research Sector and the Grants and Projects Department. She emphasized that the session aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the EURAXESS and Horizon Europe programs, explaining funding mechanisms, available programs, and opportunities for academic mobility and research support at various career stages.

She highlighted the importance of the session in enabling researchers to acquire the necessary skills to respond to European project calls, prepare competitive research proposals, and build effective international research partnerships. She concluded by affirming Ain Shams University’s commitment to continuing support for scientific research, enhancing international cooperation, and increasing participation in European programs, contributing to higher research quality and advancing the university’s global standing.

The session featured a series of presentations and informative lectures. Mr. Alessandro Calabro, Mediterranean and Middle East Officer at the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, began with an overview of EU initiatives to enhance research collaboration with the Mediterranean region.

Professor Karim Saeed, Scientific and Academic Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy in Egypt, presented on research and innovation collaboration pathways between Egypt and France.

Dr. Ahmed Maalel, Regional Representative of the EURAXESS Network in Africa, provided a presentation on EURAXESS Africa, while Ms. Cristina Gomez, Global EURAXESS Coordinator, highlighted upcoming opportunities under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) program.

The event concluded with a practical training session led by Dr. Ahmed Maalel and Ms. Cristina Gomez, covering how to search for project calls, interpret calls for proposals, understand participation mechanisms, and identify research partners.

The session aimed to raise awareness of European funding opportunities, mobility programs, and research support, especially for early- and mid-career researchers. Representatives from EURAXESS, the EU delegation to Egypt, and national contact points for Horizon Europe delivered illustrative presentations on funding mechanisms, international mobility programs, and building competitive research portfolios.

The session also featured success stories of Egyptian researchers who participated in Horizon Europe and the Marie Skłodowska-Curie programs, inspiring further engagement with the European research ecosystem. Discussions covered the funding pillars of Horizon Europe, and services provided to empower researchers and enhance their involvement in international research and innovation systems.

At the end of the event, a Q&A session was held. Prof. Hoda Sosa, Director of the Grants and Projects Department, delivered the closing remarks, summarizing the main funding opportunities and support mechanisms within the EURAXESS and Horizon Europe programs. She thanked the speakers for their valuable scientific content, which clarified and simplified the steps for applying for European funding, and emphasized the important role of the Grants and Projects Department in administratively and financially monitoring funded projects and supporting researchers throughout all phases of implementation.