(((Quoted from Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research page)))

Minister of Higher Education directs to:

- Readiness of universities for the second-semester exams for the current academic year.

- Announcement of exam schedules well in advance.

- Universities focus on applicable scientific research to achieve economic return to society.

Minister of Higher Education praises:

- The inclusion of 13 Egyptian universities in the grading of QS for undergraduate disciplines for 2024.

- Universities' efforts to raise awareness among the youth.

On Saturday, the Supreme Council of Universities held its periodic meeting, chaired by Dr. Ayman Ashour, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. It was attended by Dr. Mustafa Rafat, the Secretary of the Council, and members of the Council, at the headquarters of the Egyptian-Japanese university.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Council congratulated President Abdelfattah El-Sisi on his sovereignty to assume a new presidential term, wishing his sovereignty success and progress in the construction of the "New Republic".

Moreover, the Council thanked the community of the Egyptian-Japanese University of Science and Technology under the chairmanship of Dr. Amr Adly, the President of the University, for hosting the meeting of the Higher Council of Universities.

The Minister of Higher Education stressed the need for universities and institutes to prepare for the second-semester examinations for the current academic year, directing the rapid announcement of exam schedules by faculties well in advance, and stressing the need for the presence of teaching staff and associated staff of universities to ensure discipline and successful conduct of examinations.

The Minister drew attention to the importance of activating the role of regional alliances signed between academic, productive, and industrial institutions, implementing the regional alliances plan to support scientific research of the industry and the national economy, and addressing the challenges facing the various geographical regions of the Republic. He also directed support for the transformation of educational institutions into innovative institutions that contribute to attracting distinguished scientific cadres, in the implementation of the presidential initiative " Coalition and Development", which is supported and sponsored by President Abdelfattah El-Sisi of the Republic, in line with the objectives of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Therefore, the Minister stressed the need for universities to focus on scientific research and ideas that can be transformed into viable innovations and products that have an economic return on society, as well as linking the research producer to industry, guiding scientific research to serve the community, and addressing challenges to economic growth. He also stressed supporting industry and the national economy, promoting scientific and research cooperation between universities, industry, business, and productive institutions, and employing the potential of academic and scientific institutions; To serve all the development needs facing geographical regions throughout the Republic.

In addition, the Minister commended the role of universities in launching medical, veterinary, and agricultural caravans and the positive contribution to capacity-building in the health, environmental, veterinary, and social fields, in cooperation with the presidential initiative "Haya Karima"; To give effect to the role of universities in the service of society and the development of the environment at the level of all governorates.

Furthermore, the Minister commended the efforts of universities in developing student awareness by organizing educational and awareness seminars, organizing educational student trips for large national projects, so that students will learn about the scale of projects implemented throughout the Republic, as well as developing students' loyalty and affiliation and confronting subversive and unequal ideas that threaten society and its foundations.

On the one hand, the Minister commended the inclusion of 13 Egyptian universities in the grading of QS for undergraduate disciplines for 2024, which includes the ranking of the top 15,559 universities worldwide. The ranking also witnessed the emergence of universities in 38 disciplines, up 4 disciplines from last year. The Minister pointed out that universities should continue to support researchers to increase scientific publishing in prestigious scientific journals; To upgrade the rankings of Egyptian universities in the world's largest rankings.

On the other hand, the council listened to a report on the most prominent activities of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in April, which was presented at a meeting of Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, the Prime Minister, with Dr. Ayman Ashour, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; To follow up on a number of the Ministry's work files. Most notably, the "Al-Bayt Road" revival file and the development of the historic South Cairo area to support a resurgence of tourism and contribute to the revival of heritage areas. He also noted the importance of preserving this area, especially in light of its unique archaeological and heritage buildings, overcoming its challenges, and facilitating traffic in Cairo.

Dr. Mostafa Madbouly also held a meeting with Dr. Ayman Ashour to follow up on the preparations for the operation of the 500 500 Cancer Hospital in Sheikh Zayed, to learn about the executive position of the works in the hospital and outpatient clinics that have been completed, to work to ensure the provision of a medical service with high efficiency, and to explore the provision of partnerships with global entities specializing in the operation of major health facilities; To take advantage of the world's experience in this area.

Dr. Ayman Ashour signed a letter of intent to establish a platform for joint academic and scientific activities in cooperation with the German side, representing the Minister of State for Science, Tourism, and Culture in the German state of Saxony. The platform aims to strengthen the protection of intellectual property and mutual respect, support a secure and inclusive environment for scientific research, and enhance accuracy and integrity in research and information security.

The Minister also met with the President and accompanying delegation of the University of Central Lancashire, United Kingdom; To examine the mechanisms for cooperation and to address the mechanisms for expanding the provision of study programmes in the field of medical sciences at the University's branch in the administrative capital.

The Minster welcomed the Vice-President of the London University, to discuss and follow up on the results of the experience presented by the London University Branch in the New Administrative Capital, and to review cooperation in the coming period.

The Minister held a meeting with the Director of ALECSO; To explore ways of cooperating, exchanging experiences and information, supporting scientific research projects, promoting cooperation between Arab universities, and disseminating science and ideas.

The Minister chaired the meeting of the Supreme Council of University Hospitals and witnessed the signing of a cooperation protocol between the General Authority for Accreditation and Health Control and the Higher Council of University Hospitals; To develop a package of training programs, the aim is to familiarize itself with the accreditation standards approved by the Authority, and to prepare medical staff and university institutions to apply those standards effectively, in preparation for the application of the comprehensive health insurance system to all university institutions, by conducting field visits to all hospitals university. The Minister also talked about Providing the necessary training to obtain accreditation from the accreditation and quality authority.

The report noted that many meetings had been held with foreign ambassadors and officials; To explore mechanisms to promote joint scientific and research cooperation.

The Council heard a presentation by Dr. Tariq Tawfik, the Deputy Minister of Health for Population Affairs The third edition of the 2024 Youth Competition to empower the youth, support innovation and entrepreneurship in health and population in Egyptian universities, Which aims to raise young people's abilities and encourage them to create and implement community awareness campaigns and raising awareness on population issues, family planning, reproductive health, gender equality and awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities. 3 initiatives should be selected for initial funding for their development and sustainability.

Dr. Adel Abdul Ghaffar, the Media Adviser and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research stated that the Council reviewed a report on the role of university hospitals in receiving patients and wounded persons from the Gaza Strip and providing them with all necessary medical services.

The spokesman added that the Minister of Higher Education has consistently directed the willingness of university hospitals to receive patients and wounded persons from the Gaza Strip during the coming period, in full cooperation and coordination with the Ministry of Health, all ministries, and relevant authorities of the State.

The Council approved the submission of the draft resolution establishing the Faculty of Science of Sadat City University for the Council of Ministers.

The Council also approved regulations for new study programs for the Faculty of Law of Ain Shams University.

General Directorate of the Information Office and Spokesperson of the Ministry