Latest news with #AymanAshour


Daily News Egypt
13-07-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt and Italy mark 50 years of science partnership, discuss future cooperation
Egypt and Italy have marked 50 years of a scientific and technological partnership at a workshop in Cairo, where officials and researchers from both countries discussed future collaboration in strategic sectors including energy and water management. The event, organised by the Italian Embassy in Cairo and Egypt's Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), reviewed the achievements of the long-standing cooperation agreement and outlined future plans. In a statement from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Minister Ayman Ashour said the cooperation between Egypt and Italy was a distinguished model of an effective bilateral partnership. He said it reflected Egypt's commitment to international cooperation and innovation to support its sustainable development plans and 'Egypt Vision 2030.' The event opened with remarks from Giuseppe Papalia, head of Economic, Scientific and Cultural Affairs for Italy in Egypt, and Walaa Sheta, the CEO of the STDF. Sheta said the Egyptian-Italian executive programme had been one of the most successful models of bilateral cooperation, supporting joint research projects in strategic areas such as renewable energy, water management, smart cities, and cultural heritage protection. He added that the STDF would continue to support this cooperation to include more priority specialisations. The workshop included video messages from international figures including Nasser Kamel, Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, and Angelo Riccaboni, chairman of the PRIMA Foundation. A session on the STDF's strategic pillars outlined the main areas of cooperation with Italy within the 2024–2026 executive programme. Egyptian researchers presented the results and applications of ongoing joint research projects in the fields of water management, agriculture, food technology, materials science and engineering, renewable and sustainable energy, and modern technologies applied to cultural and natural heritage. A second session focused on opportunities for cooperation in international education, technology transfer, and the integration of scientific research with industry. Participants included Italian universities such as Trieste, Marche Polytechnic, Pegaso, and Calabria, alongside industrial firms including Leonardo Space, Eni, and El-Sewedy University of Technology. The workshop concluded with a panel discussion on the future of cooperation in light of the bilateral agreement, Italy's 'Mattei Plan,' and the research policies of the European Union. The event also featured an exhibition titled 'Heritage and New Technologies,' which highlighted the role of archaeological missions in supporting Egyptian-Italian scientific cooperation.


Egypt Today
18-06-2025
- Business
- Egypt Today
Higher Education Minister: 14 Technological Universities Linked with Industry Partnerships
universities Cairo - 18 June 2025: Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Ayman Ashour, announced that Egypt now hosts 14 technological universities actively engaged in partnerships with industrial and private-sector entities across the country . Speaking during the opening ceremony of the Second International Conference on Technological Education (SCTE2025), Dr. Ashour highlighted the strategic significance of these institutions. He emphasized that they 'offer vital academic tracks aligned with current and future job markets,' playing a key role in preparing skilled graduates to meet national development needs . These technological universities operate under the Supreme Council for Technological Education, which oversees their governance, curriculum development, and quality assurance. Plans are underway to expand the network: 17 additional such universities are expected to be launched across all governorates by the end of 2024, ensuring broader geographic coverage and deeper industry integration . Dr. Ashour also noted that each of the 14 universities maintains active collaboration with industrial partners. These partnerships provide students with hands-on training opportunities, internships, and channels to apply knowledge directly in real-world settings—effectively bridging the gap between academia and industry needs . The Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to empowering youth and advancing the country's innovation and industrial growth agenda. He described the technological universities as 'a strategic pathway to qualify cadres capable of supporting the national economy with skills that match global standards' . President Abdel Fattah El‑Sisi also addressed the rising demand for advanced technological education as part of broader efforts to expand programs in AI, digitization, computer science, and engineering. These initiatives are supporting Egypt's transformation into a regional education and technology hub .


Zawya
11-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Egypt's university hospital budgets triple to $565mln over 9 years: minister
Egypt - Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Ayman Ashour, announced that Egypt's university hospital system has undergone an unprecedented transformation in the 2024/25 fiscal year, driven by the state's prioritisation of healthcare development and its commitment to improving service quality for citizens. Ashour attributed the sector's progress to strong political backing, noting the government's ongoing efforts to modernise hospital operations through intensive training programmes and continuous investment in advanced medical technologies. These initiatives aim to enhance the skills of medical and nursing staff and ensure the delivery of high-quality care. He also emphasised the ministry's focus on expanding interdisciplinary specialisations and accelerating the digital transformation of university hospital services to improve efficiency and streamline patient access. According to the minister, the annual budget allocated to university hospitals has risen sharply from EGP 10bn in 2014 to EGP 28bn in 2023. The network now comprises 145 hospitals, including 52 specialised facilities covering a wide range of disciplines such as oncology, addiction and mental health treatment, women's health, geriatrics, toxicology, emergency care, gastroenterology, paediatrics, nephrology, ophthalmology, and various surgical fields including cardiac and vascular surgery. University hospitals now represent 30% of the total bed capacity in Egypt's public healthcare system and 50% of all intensive care unit (ICU) beds. This broad spectrum of services helps address diverse patient needs and strengthens the country's ability to deliver comprehensive, high-level healthcare. Ashour stated that university hospitals served nearly 25 million patients during the 2024/25 period, performing more than 620,440 surgical procedures across all specialities. Of these, 350,000 were complex operations requiring specialised expertise, including 220 robotic surgeries—40 of which were paediatric cases. The hospitals also delivered approximately 588,000 haemodialysis sessions. These services are supported by a total capacity of 34,618 hospital beds, including 5,254 intensive and intermediate care beds and 896 specialised neonatal incubators. 'These achievements reflect the efficiency of Egypt's university hospitals and their commitment to providing the highest quality healthcare services to citizens,' Ashour said. The minister highlighted that EGP 19bn has been allocated by the government to upgrade healthcare infrastructure across the university hospital system. This investment is funding 160 development projects, including the modernisation of 33 hospitals and the implementation of 127 service enhancement initiatives. One of the most prominent recent developments is the opening of the Liver Transplantation Centre at Mansoura University, now the largest of its kind in the Middle East and Africa, built at a cost of EGP 1bn. Major infrastructure investments include the EGP 2.4bn Suez University Hospital, which houses 17 clinics, 15 operating theatres, and 260 beds, in addition to specialised units for dialysis and critical care. At Ain Shams University, a comprehensive EGP 10bn expansion has been undertaken to increase the number of neonatal and intensive care beds. Further notable improvements include the introduction of a vascular catheterisation unit and advanced cardiac care facilities at Samouha University Hospital, as well as the launch of the Manchester Medical and Surgical Studies Building at Al-Mowasat Hospital, developed in partnership with the University of Manchester. Specialised units have also been established across five additional university hospitals, enhancing treatment options in areas such as paediatric ophthalmic surgery and audiology, thereby improving both capacity and service quality nationwide. © 2024 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (


Daily News Egypt
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Egypt hosts 3rd International Climate, Environment Conference to advance sustainable innovation
Egypt inaugurated the third edition of the International Conference on Climate and Environment on Tuesday, bringing together senior government officials, academics, religious leaders, and policy experts to address pressing environmental challenges and explore innovative solutions for sustainable development. Held under the auspices of the Prime Minister and the Arab League, the conference is organized by Nile University's School of Continuing Education in collaboration with the Engineers for Sustainable Egypt Foundation and is supported by several ministries. The event coincides with World Environment Day and centers on global climate action and environmental innovation. Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Ayman Ashour, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, emphasized the crucial role of universities and research institutions in developing policy-relevant innovations and fostering public engagement in environmental issues. 'Climate change stands among the most urgent threats to humanity,' Ashour stated, adding that higher education institutions are vital not only in generating scientific knowledge but also in nurturing environmental awareness among young people and encouraging responsible innovation. He reiterated Egypt's dedication to integrating climate and environmental goals into national research agendas while deepening international academic partnerships. The event drew a number of distinguished participants, including former Foreign Minister Amr Moussa; Grand Mufti Nazir Ayad; climate economist and COP representative Mahmoud Mohieldin (joining via video); and Mahmoud Fathallah from the Arab League's Department of Environmental Affairs. Minister of Religious Endowments Osama Al-Azhari expressed his ministry's full support for climate awareness initiatives, announcing a partnership with Nile University's faculties of Energy and Environmental Engineering and Water Sciences and Food Security to foster educational outreach on environmental stewardship. Nile University President Wael Akl highlighted the alignment of the conference with Egypt's higher education and national sustainability strategies. He outlined the university's contributions in fields such as renewable energy, smart agriculture, climate modeling, water resource management, and AI-based early warning systems—many of which have earned international recognition. Akl also proposed the establishment of a national 'Science Valley' to nurture the next generation of scientists and green entrepreneurs in line with Egypt's Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Mohamed Kamel, Chair of the Engineers for Sustainable Egypt Foundation, noted that the 2025 edition builds on the foundation laid by previous conferences since 2023, and supports the United Nations Environment Programme's call to end plastic pollution. He also announced the launch of new initiatives, including an award for the most impactful innovation in environmental protection. Nevine Abdel Khalek, Dean of Continuing Education at Nile University, stated that the conference aims to elevate public understanding of climate change, promote projects that drive sustainable development, and celebrate outstanding contributions to environmental innovation. The event features four core sessions focused on timely and critical topics: the European Union's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and equitable carbon pricing on imports; circular economy frameworks; green hydrogen technologies; and the application of artificial intelligence in water and environmental systems. In addition to plenary sessions, several panel discussions are planned on themes such as sustainable urban development, achieving Egypt's Vision 2030, promoting sustainable production and consumption, incentivizing green investment, and scaling the green economy. A special exhibition showcases green innovation projects, while a roundtable on plastic reduction highlights practical strategies for cutting waste. Further sessions explore the transformation of desert lands into eco-tourism destinations and sustainable agricultural zones, aimed at bolstering environmental resilience and advancing sustainable tourism models.


Zawya
26-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Egypt launches ‘Sports Genome' phase of national DNA project
Egypt has launched the latest phase of its National Genome Project, turning its focus to athletes as part of a broader effort to harness genetic science for health improvement and sports development, officials announced Sunday. The announcement came during a high-level event marking the conclusion of the Sports Genome Project and the start of the 'Gene-Next' testing phase. Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Health Khaled Abdel Ghaffar said the initiative represents a leap forward in preventive healthcare and personalized athletic training. 'By decoding the genetic blueprint of Egyptians, we can not only enhance athletic performance but also improve public health and reduce the burden of disease,' Abdel Ghaffar said. He was joined by the ministers of youth and sports, higher education, and senior representatives from the presidency and armed forces. The Sports Genome Program, he added, marks a strategic shift in how Egypt approaches health and human development—leveraging DNA analysis to tailor training, nutrition, and recovery programs based on an individual's unique physiological traits. Youth and Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhy said the 'NEXT GENE' initiative opens a new chapter in Egypt's athletic development. 'It allows for the creation of personalized training plans aligned with each athlete's genetic potential, helping to prevent injuries and optimize performance from an early age,' he said. Higher Education Minister Ayman Ashour described the project as the first of its kind in Africa and the Middle East, with government funding of EGP 2 billion. He called it a milestone in Egypt's transition to a knowledge-based economy and a cornerstone of the country's Vision 2030 strategy. Presidential Health Advisor Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din emphasized the national genome project's broader scientific significance, especially in the fight against diseases such as cancer. 'We are conducting this work with precision in collaboration with Egypt's leading universities and research institutions,' he said. Major General Mohamed El-Gohary, Director of the Armed Forces Center for Medical Research and Regenerative Medicine, reaffirmed the military's support for the project and its ongoing role in the implementation phase of the sports genome initiative. The event was attended by former ministers, university leaders, senior military officials, and prominent sports divs, including the president of Egypt's Paralympic Committee and the former president of Zamalek SC. The Sports Genome Project forms a core component of Egypt's broader National Genome Initiative, which aims to build a comprehensive genetic database to support early disease detection, personalized healthcare, and performance optimization. Officials say the initiative reflects a growing shift toward data-driven, individualized approaches in both medicine and elite sport.