The Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the Egypt-Japan Joint Scientific Cooperation Program – Call No. 17.

The purpose of this program is to establish new collaborations in areas of mutual interest. Additionally, the program will promote scientific exchange visits between Egyptian and Japanese researchers and support the joint organization of symposia, paving the way for long-term partnerships.

This activity supports bilateral mobility of scientists within the framework of a joint research project lasting two years. The goal of these projects is to establish new collaborations or enhance existing partnerships in the following areas:

1. Water
2. Energy
3. Food / Agriculture
4. Health
5. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

The program offers funding of up to EGP 750,000 per year (up to EGP 1,500,000 total) per project for the Egyptian team.

?? Application deadline: September 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM (Cairo local time)

?? To apply, please visit:
?? http://www.stdf.eg

The award is presented by Dr./ Mohamed Rabie Nassar, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Delta University for Science and Technology, in the field of scientific research, as part of his commitment to support and encourage outstanding researchers in recognition of their contributions to science, society, and their role in achieving Egypt’s Sustainable Development Strategy – Vision 2030 in the following fields:

1. Mohamed Rabie Nassar Award in Medical Sciences

Award Value: EGP 250,000 (Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Egyptian Pounds) + Certificate of Appreciation

2. Mohamed Rabie Nassar Award in Advanced Materials Science and Nanotechnology Applications

Award Value: EGP 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Egyptian Pounds) + Certificate of Appreciation

3. Mohamed Rabie Nassar Award in Applied Engineering Sciences for the Modernization of Egyptian Industry

Award Value: EGP 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Egyptian Pounds) + Certificate of Appreciation

4. Mohamed Rabie Nassar Award in Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence

Award Value: EGP 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Egyptian Pounds) + Certificate of Appreciation

5. Mohamed Rabie Nassar Award in New and Renewable Energy

Award Value: EGP 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Egyptian Pounds) + Certificate of Appreciation

6. Mohamed Rabie Nassar Award in Agriculture and Food Security

Award Value: EGP 200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Egyptian Pounds) + Certificate of Appreciation

?? For nomination criteria and further details, please visit:
?? http://www.rabieaward.com/

Prof./  Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chair of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, affirmed that the Ministry supports using technology in the educational process. Digital tools have been utilized to enhance the delivery of educational content and student engagement. He noted that the Ministry has implemented a comprehensive digital transformation plan in Egyptian universities, under the title “Digital Transformation and the Future Vision”, which aligns with the seven principles of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research:
(Integration, Interdisciplinary Specializations, Connectivity, Effective Participation, Sustainability, International Benchmarking, Leadership and Innovation).
This strategy is implemented through three main pillars:

1. Building and developing a centralized digital foundation.
2. Future Graduate Skills 2050.
3. Smart and efficient higher education institutions.

 In this context, the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI), announces the opening of applications for the 2025 Digital Transformation Pioneers in Higher Education Award, under the theme:
“Promising Practices Driven by the Holistic Online Education (HOE) Framework: Empowering the Workforce, Fostering Innovation, and Enabling Institutional Resilience.”

prof./ Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister and Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, and Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, explained that this award aims to recognize and celebrate innovative digital transformation practices in higher education, as well as to encourage innovation in education through pioneering digital initiatives. It also seeks to highlight successful practices that facilitate knowledge exchange and cooperation between higher education institutions internationally, and to contribute achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing the role of digital technology in improving education quality and expanding access.

Dr. Hala Abdel-Gawad, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO Affairs, confirmed that the award includes 10 prizes for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), in addition to 10 honorary awards for companies. She clarified that the value of each HEI award is 70,000 Chinese Yuan (or its equivalent in US dollars).

Those interested in applying for the award are requested to register through the following online link:
 https://iioe.ichei.org
before May 30, 2025.

Please note that the final deadline for submitting applications is June 15, 2025.

The Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 8th cycle of the Egypt-China Joint Research Projects Support Program. The program aims to strengthen cooperation between both parties in areas of mutual interest.

In this regard, prof./ Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized that this program represents a valuable opportunity to fund research projects addressing current challenges in various fields. He pointed out that scientific collaboration between Egypt and China will contribute to developing both countries’ scientific and innovative capabilities.

Dr. Walaa Sheta, CEO of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), stated that through this program, the Authority seeks to encourage Egyptian researchers to submit innovative research proposals that contribute to achieving sustainable development and strengthening international cooperation in the fields of technology and innovation.

Funding will be provided in the following categories:

• Applied research projects in the fields of water, food and agriculture, health, ICT, and advanced manufacturing, with a maximum funding limit of EGP 3 million on the Egyptian side.
• Industry-partnered projects in the fields of renewable energy and artificial intelligence, with a maximum funding limit of EGP 5 million on the Egyptian side.

The duration of the funded projects must not exceed 24 months.

It is worth noting that the deadline for submitting research proposals is June 23, 2025.

For more information about eligibility criteria, required documents, and application procedures, please visit the official STDF website:
?? https://stdf.eg/web/grants/open

 Prof./ Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chair of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, emphasized the important role played by the National Commission in implementing national, regional, and international projects and announcing international awards in cooperation with UNESCO, ALECSO, and ICESCO. He noted that these efforts contribute to the realization of Egypt’s Vision 2030, enhance Egypt’s representation in international forums concerned with education, culture, and science, and support cooperation with these organizations in the fields of higher education, scientific research, and innovation, while promoting the exchange of expertise on Arab, African, and international levels.

In this context, the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, in cooperation with UNESCO, announces the call for applications for the 2025 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes.

Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister for Strategic Planning and Labor Market Qualification, Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, and Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, stated that since 1967, the UNESCO International Literacy Prizes have recognized excellence and innovation in the field of literacy. A total of 512 projects and programs implemented by governments, NGOs, and individuals worldwide have been awarded. Through these prestigious prizes, UNESCO aims to support effective literacy practices and encourage the creation of dynamic learning communities.

He pointed out that the 2025 UNESCO International Literacy Prizes include the following:

1. UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Prize:
   Established in 1989 and supported by the Republic of Korea, this prize focuses on programs that develop and promote mother-tongue-based literacy education. Each of the three award winners will receive a medal, diploma, and a monetary award of USD 20,000.
2. UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy:
   Established in 2005 and supported by the People’s Republic of China, this prize rewards programs that promote adult literacy, particularly in rural areas and for out-of-school youth, especially girls and women. Each of the three award winners will receive a medal, diploma, and a monetary award of USD 30,000.

Dr. Hala Abdel-Gawad, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO Affairs, confirmed that these prizes are open to governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to promoting literacy efforts and in appreciation of their ongoing commitment in this field.
The theme of the 2025 prizes is:
“Promoting Multilingual Education: Literacy for Mutual Understanding and Peace.”

She also noted that applicants must complete the designated online application form by creating a user account through the following link:
?? https://unes.co/ilp-account

For more information about the prizes and nomination procedures, please visit:
?? https://www-unesco-org.translate.goog/en/prizes/literacy

Applicants must also send a copy of the submitted form, along with an official nomination letter from their affiliated institution, to the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO via the following email addresses:
?? egypt.natcom@gmail.com
?? Egnatcom@egnatcom.org.eg
no later than June 10, 2025, in order for the Commission to review the applications and submit them to UNESCO before June 27, 2025.

Please note that incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

It is worth mentioning that Mansoura University won a UNESCO International Literacy Prize in 2024 for its project titled “Literacy at Mansoura University for Sustainability and Quality of Life in Egyptian Villages”.
Additionally, Ain Shams University won the UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy in 2021 for organizing online literacy classes in rural areas of Egypt.

       In line with the directives of Prof. / Hemdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of the University, regarding the monitoring of the second semester examinations for the academic year 2024–2025 and ensuring their smooth conduct, Prof./ Mohamed Abdo Amasha, Acting Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, conducted an inspection tour of several university faculties.

The tour began at the Faculty of Arts, where he was received by Prof. / Atiya El Imam El Qolali, Dean of the Faculty, and Prof. / Ismail Ragab Othman, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs. He inspected the examination halls and reviewed the procedures in place to ensure discipline and the smooth running of the examination process.

The tour also included the Faculty of Archaeology, where he was welcomed by Prof./ Yousr Ezz El Regal, Dean of the Faculty, and Prof. / Abdo Abaza, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs. He followed up on the organization of examination committees and the measures taken to provide a conducive environment for the examination process.

At the Faculty of Applied Arts, he was received by Prof. / Ghada El Sayyad, Dean of the Faculty, and Prof. / Mahdia El Naggar, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs. He praised the well-organized examination process and the faculty’s efforts to provide a suitable atmosphere for students within the examination halls.

The tour continued at the Faculty of Agriculture, where he was welcomed by Prof./ El Metwally Selim, Dean of the Faculty, and Prof./ Ahmed El Sheikhah, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs. During the visit, he monitored the faculty’s compliance with the prescribed procedures and the smooth conduct of the examinations, emphasizing the importance of addressing any challenges that may face students.

During the tour, Prof. /Amasha reaffirmed the directives of Prof. / Hamdan Rabie El-Metwally, President of the University, on the importance of thorough and continuous monitoring of the examination process and providing full support and care to students. He also stressed the need for full implementation of organizational procedures to ensure the success of the exams. He praised the well-organized exam arrangements, the faculties’ adherence to regulations and guidelines, and commended the efforts of the deans, vice deans for education and student affairs, and faculty members in contributing to the successful execution of the examination process.

Prof./  Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chair of the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, affirmed that the Ministry supports using technology in the educational process. Digital tools have been utilized to enhance the delivery of educational content and student engagement. He noted that the Ministry has implemented a comprehensive digital transformation plan in Egyptian universities, under the title “Digital Transformation and the Future Vision”, which aligns with the seven principles of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research:
(Integration, Interdisciplinary Specializations, Connectivity, Effective Participation, Sustainability, International Benchmarking, Leadership and Innovation).
This strategy is implemented through three main pillars:

1. Building and developing a centralized digital foundation.
2. Future Graduate Skills 2050.
3. Smart and efficient higher education institutions.

 In this context, the Egyptian National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO-ICHEI), announces the opening of applications for the 2025 Digital Transformation Pioneers in Higher Education Award, under the theme:
“Promising Practices Driven by the Holistic Online Education (HOE) Framework: Empowering the Workforce, Fostering Innovation, and Enabling Institutional Resilience.”

prof./ Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister and Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector, and Supervisor of the Egyptian National Commission for Education, Science, and Culture, explained that this award aims to recognize and celebrate innovative digital transformation practices in higher education, as well as to encourage innovation in education through pioneering digital initiatives. It also seeks to highlight successful practices that facilitate knowledge exchange and cooperation between higher education institutions internationally, and to contribute achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by enhancing the role of digital technology in improving education quality and expanding access.

Dr. Hala Abdel-Gawad, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Commission for UNESCO Affairs, confirmed that the award includes 10 prizes for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), in addition to 10 honorary awards for companies. She clarified that the value of each HEI award is 70,000 Chinese Yuan (or its equivalent in US dollars).

Those interested in applying for the award are requested to register through the following online link:
 https://iioe.ichei.org
before May 30, 2025.

Please note that the final deadline for submitting applications is June 15, 2025.

Higher Education Ministry Announces the Opening of Applications for the Egyptian-German Scientific Exchange Program for Excellence Development

An Opportunity for Egyptian Researchers from Universities and Research Centers to Strengthen Scientific Cooperation with Germany

The Science, Technology & Development Funding Authority (STDF), in cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), has announced the opening of the 15th call for the German-Egyptian Scientific Exchange and Excellence Development Program (GE-SEED). This program aims to support research collaboration between Egyptian and German institutions through mutual scientific visits between researchers.

The program is designed to enhance cooperation between research teams, with a particular focus on providing opportunities for young researchers and postgraduate (Master’s and PhD) students to participate in scientific exchange visits lasting up to two years. These visits aim to foster knowledge transfer, experience sharing, and capacity building in research.

The duration of scientific visits under the program is as follows:

• For researchers: Up to one month per year
• For young researchers (Master’s and PhD students): Between 3 to 6 months per year

Prof./ Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized that this program reflects the state’s commitment to supporting academic and scientific cooperation with Germany. It aims to boost the competitiveness of Egypt’s higher education and research system, empower young talent, and link scientific research with industry and sustainable development.

prof./ Walaa Sheta, CEO of the Science, Technology & Development Funding Authority, stated that the program represents a successful model of bilateral cooperation and a valuable opportunity for Egyptian researchers to broaden their scientific horizons. He reaffirmed the authority’s continued support in providing technical assistance to build effective partnerships with international research institutions.

It is worth noting that the deadline for submitting applications for the grant is May 28, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to review all eligibility criteria and required documents through the authority’s official website ?? https://stdf.eg/web/grants/open

The Science, Technology, and Development Funding Authority (STDF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China, announces opening of the first call for the "Establishment of Joint Research Laboratories between Egypt and China" program.

This program aims to strengthen long-term scientific and technological cooperation between research institutions through the establishment of three specialized laboratories in Egypt in partnership with leading Chinese institutions. These laboratories will serve as joint research centers for scientists from both countries, contributing to innovation and technological advancement in the following shared priority areas:

1.      Sustainable Development Technologies: such as waste management, recycling, green energy, and low-carbon technologies.

2.      Poverty Reduction through Science and Technology: such as smart agriculture.

3.      Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Robotics.

This program represents one of the largest bilateral initiatives between the two countries in the field of scientific research. Each joint project is eligible to receive funding of up to EGP 20 million from the STDF and 3 million CNY from the Chinese side.

Project duration: Up to 3 years.

Eligible Entities:

1.      Participation is limited to Egyptian governmental research institutions.

2.      Each institution may submit only one proposal per thematic area (maximum of three proposals total).

3.      An appropriate location and adequate infrastructure for the lab must be provided.

4.      The Principal Investigator must be an Egyptian national holding a PhD and affiliated with a governmental research institution.

5.      A clear sustainability plan for the lab must be submitted, ensuring its operation for at least five years after the project ends.

Deadline for submission of research proposals: June 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM (Cairo time).

For more details on application requirements and the necessary documents, please visit the official STDF website:
https://stdf.eg/web/grants/open