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Prof. Amany Osama Kamel, Vice President of Ain Shams University for Graduate Studies and Research, received Dr. Paul Crone, Head of the Research Group and Director of Graduate Studies at the Quadram Institute in Norwich, UK, and Ms. Berihan Shafei, Director of International Science Partnerships Fund Programs at the British Council in Egypt. The meeting was also attended by Professor Dr. Rehab Osman, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, and members of the joint Egyptian-British research team.

The meeting took place within the framework of the research collaboration project under the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) between Egypt and the UK, funded by the British Council and the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF).

This collaboration aims to enhance knowledge transfer and the exchange of expertise by hosting the British research partner, thereby contributing to the support and development of the scientific research system in vital fields.

During the meeting, Prof. Amany Osama Kamel commended the distinguished academic and research level of the Faculty of Pharmacy, affirming its position as one of the leading faculties in this field and appreciating the scientific efforts that contribute to developing students' research skills and enhancing their practical abilities.

She also expressed her appreciation for the joint research project entitled: "From Waste to Improved Health: Valorizing Food By-Products to Produce Health-Promoting Plant Extracts Targeting Intestinal Metabolism," noting that it reflects a modern scientific approach linking the fields of nutrition and health, and opens promising horizons for utilizing available resources in innovative and sustainable ways.

Ms. Berihan explained that the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) is a leading initiative that places research and innovation at the heart of international relations. It supports collaboration between researchers in the UK and their counterparts worldwide in vital areas including the environment, health, technology, and skills development.

The Vice President of the University emphasized that these projects represent a genuine opportunity to gain advanced scientific and practical experience and contribute to enhancing the innovative capabilities of researchers and students. Furthermore, they play a role in supporting the integration of scientific research and practical applications to serve society.

She also affirmed Ain Shams University's commitment to expanding this collaboration to contribute to building sustainable and fruitful scientific partnerships with the Quadram Institute through the organization of joint workshops and scientific seminars on a regular basis.

As part of the visit, the Faculty of Pharmacy held a specialized scientific workshop under the supervision of Prof. Omaima El-Dahshan, Head of the Pharmacognosy Department. The workshop included two prominent scientific sessions. Dr. Paul Kron delivered a lecture entitled: "The Health Benefits of Plant Polyphenols and Their Role in Interacting with the Gut Microbiota."

Dr. Mariam Ibrahim Gamal El-Din, a research scientist at the Quadram Institute and Assistant Professor in the Pharmacognosy Department at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, presented a lecture entitled: "Using Dietary Polyphenols to Inhibit Microbiota-Dependent Trimethylamine (TMA) Production and Reduce Exposure to its Oxidation."

The event was organized under the leadership of Prof. Irene Mohsen Mansour Ayoub, Professor of Pharmacognosy, Principal Investigator of the project, and Director of International Relations and Academic Cooperation at the Faculty, with the participation of Prof. Fadia Salah Youssef, Professor of Pharmacognosy and Assistant Principal Investigator of the project.

The workshop was attended by Prof. Sherweit Hamed El-Ahmady, Executive Director of the International Relations and Academic Cooperation Sector at Ain Shams University and Professor of Pharmacognosy at the Faculty. The workshop also saw a distinguished attendance from faculty staff, teaching assistants, researchers, and students, along with a rich scientific exchange that reflected the importance of such events in supporting scientific research and promoting knowledge exchange.

On the sidelines of the visit, the delegation toured the Drug Discovery and Development Research Center, headed by Prof. Abdel Nasser Badawi Sanjab. The British side expressed its admiration for the center's advanced capabilities, including state-of-the-art equipment and technologies that support researchers in the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides were also discussed.