Higher education: A qualitative leap in improving the performance rates of research centers and bodies during the year 2024
Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, stressed the importance of scientific research and innovation in serving economic and social development in society, pointing out the pivotal role of the Ministry in supporting scientific research and innovation in Egypt through competitive financing of scientific research projects and enhancing international cooperation, pointing out To the Ministry’s support for Egyptian researchers, and the work of local and international partnerships in the seven regions of Egypt, as well as encouraging cooperation between Egyptian researchers and foreign researchers and experts in many countries; To develop the field of scientific research, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, link the research product to industry, direct scientific research to serve society, and confront the challenges facing economic growth, which comes within the priorities of the national strategy for higher education and scientific research.
In this context, Dr. Hossam Othman, Deputy Minister of Higher Education for Innovation and Scientific Research, pointed out the success of centers, institutes and research bodies in achieving many scientific innovations during the year 2024, including the announcement of the National Research Center, the success of the center in discovering a biofertilizer that increases the production of agricultural crops, and the product. 100% Egyptian, and it is easy to prepare and apply, highly efficient, productive and economical, in addition to being one of the products of the National Center for Applied Research. It works to fix nitrogen in the soil and helps raise the efficiency and effectiveness of microorganisms, and provides 50% of inorganic fertilizers in agriculture, in addition to It leads to an increase in production by up to 40%, and it also benefits plants by accelerating germination, flowering, fruit growth, and setting the nodes.
This was done by the branch of the National Institute of Marine Sciences in Alexandria. By installing a number of stations for measuring and monitoring real-time sea level and measuring tides, in addition to an aerial monitoring station for weather data that was installed on the Institute’s pier. A GNSS monitoring station was also installed and operated to receive and process Global Positioning System data.
In the field of astronomy, the phase of installing site testing devices for the project to establish the new “Sinai” astronomical observatory has been completed, which is considered one of the national projects that Egypt is adopting during the current period, and which the Institute is working on implementing to be an alternative to The current Katameya Observatory is continuing its work with its monitoring stations. The new observatory relies on the latest technology in the field of astronomy. It will be equipped with an astronomical telescope with a 6.5-meter diameter mirror, making it the largest of its kind in the Middle East, which will enhance Egypt’s capabilities in Astronomical monitoring, and making more astronomical discoveries.
In the framework of fruitful cooperation with the Union of Arab Scientific Research Councils, 28 projects were announced as winners within the Arab Alliances for Scientific Research and Innovation Initiative, where The Academy of Scientific Research and Technology participated in the Arab Alliances for Research, Development and Innovation initiative.
The National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences also participated in the International Conference on Scientific Research and Education Networks eAGE24 in Tunisia, and the Authority also participated in the second round table meeting of the African Forum. environmental protection agencies, and the National Authority hosted the Third African International Conference on Precision Agriculture, which was held in parallel in 10 African countries (Egypt, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa), and the Authority also participated in the first forum for geographic information systems at the Egyptian Chinese University, in addition to the Authority training 3,000 male and female students in various fields of science.
The Vertechx company, supported by an incubator, obtained Remote sensing and space science work, funded by the National Program for Technology Incubators “Intilaaq” The Academy of Scientific Research and Technology won second place and a financial prize in the Climate Launchpad Competition for the year 2024, as this is the largest international competition in the world that focuses on green innovations. With the aim of supporting ideas that contribute to confronting climate change through innovative and sustainable solutions since its launch in 2014, the competition witnessed the participation of more than 50 countries, making it the largest platform in the world for pioneering environmental ideas.
And within the framework of intensifying interest in international cooperation. Between Egyptian educational and research institutions and their foreign counterparts, research centers have succeeded in achieving many distinguished achievements, including the field of marine sciences, where the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Fisheries organized the first edition of the First China-Africa Conference. For marine sciences and technology.
The Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, in cooperation with the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, the French Beaujon Hospital, and the University of Paris City, also organized the twelfth Egyptian-French Conference on Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, and the Biobank also took place. The Department of Immunology at the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute is a member of the Biobank Network of the International Agency for Research on Cancer, to support the bank’s efforts in drug development by providing samples for pre-clinical testing, contributing an effective role in pharmacogenomics, and designing treatments based on On the genetic makeup of the individual, in addition to the accreditation of three medical departments at Theodor Bilharz Institute Hospital by the Egyptian Fellowship, which are: (Digestive System and Liver Department, Intensive Care Department, and Kidney Department).
The City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications concluded a project Startup Olympiad 2024, with support from the Innovators and Geniuses Fund, and in coordination with the Technology Transfer and Innovation Office, the Entrepreneurship Club, and Mentors International Company as a strategic partner; To implement the training program towards enhancing the capabilities of students and researchers from the city, in partnership with Burj Al Arab Technological University, several local events were also organized to support practical training for students and cooperation with relevant authorities, in addition to supporting efforts to develop the scientific research system, as the City of Scientific Research and Applications organized Technology, summer school activities during the month of August 2024, for students of practical colleges (engineering – pharmacy – veterinary medicine – science – agriculture), as well as the signing of 3 agreement contracts with Khaled Misbah Company for manufacturing products. Chemicals, to manufacture and market 3 products, with the aim of pumping many distinct products to the Egyptian market, which are based on the technical and technological knowledge resulting from applied research projects with the aim of deepening local industries.
The Electronics Research Institute was able to localize a 3D panoramic imaging system Designing a virtual tour using virtual reality technology via Meta Quest 2 glasses and 3D panoramic photography is a powerful and effective tool in the digital age, as it is used to visually display and market the institute’s capabilities. And interactive. ; With the aim of providing various services; The program, which is launched from the city’s headquarters, aims to support young people and provide a stimulating environment for creativity and innovation, by providing grants to study the fields of (solar cells, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity), as well as launching the “Start your own project to establish your company” initiative. To support creative ideas and prototypes, which aim to transform innovative ideas into realistic projects, in addition to achieving the Institute First place in the final of the Egyptian Entrepreneurship League, as the winning project works to develop rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that use environmentally friendly materials, are longer lasting, operate efficiently at high temperatures, are cheaper, and enhance the performance and durability of the batteries in difficult climatic conditions.
The Electronics Research Institute has achieved a new achievement for the first time by obtaining the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 quality accreditation certificate for three central laboratories from the Council. The National Accreditation Center (EGAC) is among 28 laboratories at the Institute. The Institute also recently obtained the ISO 14001:2015 certificate for environmental management system standards, as well as the ISO 45001:2018 certificate for occupational safety and health management. The Institute also obtained accreditation for its training center, becoming an accredited government training center for… The national level of the Central Organization for Organization and Administration, in addition to The Institute’s Quality Committee develops the quality system.
