The university organized a major celebration titled “Ain Shams University: National Leadership Shaping the Future – The Grand Egyptian Museum: A Pivotal Role and Enduring Contributions.” The event was hosted by Prof. Suzan El-Kalliny, Media Advisor to the University, who affirmed in her remarks that the celebration aims to highlight one of the greatest civilizational projects of the modern era, the Grand Egyptian Museum. She described the museum as a global landmark that embodies the greatness of Egyptian history and underscores the Egyptian state’s ability to transform its civilization into a contemporary, vibrant project.
She added that pride in the Grand Egyptian Museum goes hand in hand with pride in the scientific, engineering, and academic role played by Ain Shams University faculty members, who were true partners in this achievement through their knowledge, expertise, and dedicated efforts, from lecture halls and laboratories to on-site implementation.
Scientific Testimonies Documenting the Project’s Behind-the-Scenes Journey
The celebration featured several specialized scientific presentations. Prof. Yasser Mansour, Emeritus Professor in the Department of Architecture and General Coordinator of the Grand Egyptian Museum Project, reviewed the concept of establishing the museum since before 2002 and his role in managing and coordinating all aspects of the project, from the international design competition through the various stages of execution.
Prof. Mostafa Rostom Ahmed Attia, Professor of Mechanical Engineering, delivered a comprehensive presentation on his participation in transporting the statue of Ramses II and other heavy antiquities, explaining the precise engineering aspects of this historic operation.
Prof Tamer El-Nady, Professor of Acoustics, discussed his contributions to measure vibrations during the statue’s transport, the acoustic and thermal design of the museum, and studies on the impact of the Fourth Metro Line passing near the site.
Meanwhile, Prof. Fathallah Mohamed El-Nahas, Emeritus Professor of Geotechnical Engineering and Foundations in the Department of Structural Engineering, reviewed his contributions to soil and foundation testing. Dr. Tamer Hanafy Radwan, Assistant Professor in the Department of Structural Engineering, presented a specialized overview of the design of the museum’s façades inspired by pyramid architecture using Egyptian marble.
Prof. Ahmed Fathy Abdel Aziz, Emeritus Professor of Structural Engineering and Material Properties, showcased examples of engineering solutions to technical challenges encountered during construction. The audience was further engaged by Prof. Mamdouh Mohamed Gad El-Damaty, former Minister of Antiquities, who delivered a detailed presentation on the museum display scenario and the intellectual and scientific foundations upon which it was built.
The event was attended by Prof. Ahmed Ghoneim, CEO of the Grand Egyptian Museum Authority; Prof. Maher Ghali, Vice President of the University for Higher Education; Prof. Sherweit El-Ahmady, Executive Director of the Sector of International Relations and Academic Cooperation; Prof. Mohamed Samir Hamza, President of the Arab Open University; Prof. Omar Shaat, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Sahar Moussa, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing; Prof. Howaida El-Gabbaly, Dean of the Faculty of Childhood Studies; Prof. Rasha Ismail, Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences; Prof. Walaa Abdel Ghani, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture; Prof. Yomna Safwat, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Al-Alsun; along with a number of vice deans. Also in attendance were Prof. Tarek Youssef, Executive Director of University Hospitals; Prof. Yasser Megahid, Director of the University’s Engineering Consultancy Center; Prof. Maryam Ayada, Director of the Quality Assurance Center; Mr. Mohamed El-Gamal, Head of the Central Administration for the University President’s Sector; Mr. Ibrahim Said, Assistant Secretary-General of the University for Education and Student Affairs; and Major General Hossam El-Sherbiny, Assistant Secretary-General for Community Service and Environmental Development.