Dr. Sherif Fakhry Mohamed Abdelnabi, President of the Egyptian Russian University, and Dr. Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, signed a joint cooperation protocol at the agency’s headquarters in the “New Administrative Capital.” This protocol aims to enhance scientific and academic cooperation in the field of space sciences, facilitate the exchange of scientific and technical expertise, and support scientific research and advanced technological applications related to space sciences and satellites.

Dr. Sherif Fakhry Mohamed Abdelnabi stated that this protocol aligns with the university’s plan to build capabilities in space sciences, remote sensing, and related technologies through collaboration with specialized institutions. It aims to develop and enhance students’ scientific and practical skills, preparing outstanding engineers for both the local and international job markets. He emphasized that one of the protocol’s main objectives is to establish a strong connection between the university and a prestigious national institution in a highly significant field. It also seeks to foster a culture of innovation and creativity among students, faculty members, and researchers while advancing and localizing space sciences and technology with the support of Dr. Mohamed Kamal El-Sayed Mostafa, Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees.

The university president explained that the protocol is designed to achieve scientific and technical cooperation by utilizing space technology, remote sensing, and related technologies in research studies and applied projects in the following areas:

1. Education, training, and human capacity building.
2. Telecommunications engineering, mechatronics, computer science, and artificial intelligence.
3. Cybersecurity.
4. Smart manufacturing and reverse engineering.
5. Urban planning, smart cities, and geographic information systems.
6. New and renewable energy.
7. Advanced technologies such as lasers, radar, and thermal sensors.

Strengthening Scientific Cooperation

Dr. Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, confirmed that the protocol aims to enhance cooperation in scientific information exchange through:
– Providing access to scientific journals and periodicals.
– Enabling researchers from both institutions to access each other’s libraries and scientific resources.
– Utilizing computational models and specialized software in accordance with governing regulations.
– Employing space technology and remote sensing in research studies and applied projects.

Dr. Sedky also outlined that the protocol includes collaboration in training and qualification programs such as:
1. Organizing specialized training courses for Egyptian Russian University students in cooperation with the Egyptian Space Agency.
2. Supporting postgraduate programs for engineers and researchers from the agency at the university’s faculties.
3. Holding joint scientific seminars and workshops.
4. Presenting research proposals to funding bodies.
5. Forming joint research teams to execute strategic projects.
6. Collaborating with other institutions to maximize the benefits of research and studies in space sciences.

University Leadership Perspectives

Dr. Alaa Mohamed El-Batsh, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at the Egyptian Russian University, emphasized that this cooperation reflects the university’s commitment to supporting scientific research and advancing space science applications. He noted that it aligns with the Egyptian Space Agency’s vision of fostering innovation and linking academic education with labor market needs. He expressed confidence that this protocol would help prepare highly qualified scientific personnel capable of supporting Egypt’s space and technological industries.

Dr. Hisham Fathy, Dean of the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence at the Egyptian Russian University, highlighted that both parties aim to achieve significant advancements in training, conferences, and workshops. He stated that they will work on training and qualifying the largest possible number of students, academic staff, and technical personnel from the Faculties of Engineering and Artificial Intelligence, as well as other interested university programs. This will be achieved through the available training courses and programs, in addition to preparing research and engineering personnel at the agency for postgraduate studies, including specialized diplomas, master’s, and doctoral degrees at the university, with full or partial scholarships based on mutual agreements.

In the same context, Dr. Wael Badawy, Head of the Data Science and Cybersecurity Departments at the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, noted that joint training courses and workshops will be organized between the Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and the Space Agency. He mentioned that postgraduate research projects will be facilitated through shared supervision and collaboration between both institutions. Moreover, they plan to cooperate in publishing research and organizing conferences, inviting experts from both parties and external entities to participate in these scientific and research forums.

Attendees During the Process of Protocol Signing

Several key figures from the Egyptian Space Agency attended the signing ceremony, including:
– Dr. Magdy Tantawy, Technical Advisor to the CEO.
– Dr. Bilal El-Lini, Director General of Earth Observation Data Management.
– Dr. Hisham Abdel Aziz, Director General of the General Department of Engineering Affairs.
– Major General Walid Hossam, Director General of the Technical Office.
– Nesma Yamani, Director of the Media Department at the Egyptian Space Agency.