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Alexandria University Receives Delegation from Virginia Tech to Explore Academic and Research Cooperation Prospects
Professor Dr. Hesham Saeed, Vice President of Alexandria University for Postgraduate Studies and Research, received on behalf of Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, a high-level delegation from Virginia Tech, USA, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The visit aimed to strengthen academic and research collaboration between both universities and explore opportunities for establishing a strategic partnership in education, scientific research, innovation, and experiential learning.
The meeting was attended by Professor Dr. Roshdy Zahran, Professor of Chemical Engineering and former President of Alexandria University; Professor Dr. Ali Abdel Mohsen, Supervisor of the International Relations Office; Professor Dr. Gihan Jouifil, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine for Postgraduate Studies and Research and Assistant President for Internationalization and International Branches; and Dr. Ziad El-Sayed, Assistant Professor at the Department of Architectural Engineering and Executive Director of the Engineering Center at the Faculty of Engineering.
The Virginia Tech delegation included Dr. Jill Sible, Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Education, Director of the Academy of Experiential Learning, and Professor of Biological Sciences; Dr. Thomas Archibald, Executive Director of the Center for International Research, Education and Development (CIRED); Dr. Mohamed Siam, Experiential Learning Director and Associate Professor of Computer Science; Mr. Dennis Goinette, former Director of Laboratories; and Dr. Khaled Hassouna, Associate Director for Middle East and North Africa Initiatives and Curriculum Development at CIRED.
During the meeting, Professor Dr. Hesham Saeed emphasized Alexandria University’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships with globally ranked universities, noting that cooperation with Virginia Tech represents a valuable opportunity to enhance academic and research excellence and exchange expertise, contributing to sustainable development goals and strengthening the university’s international standing. He also highlighted the university’s scientific and human capabilities, its internationally recognized research output, and its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship skills through the Technology Park, international partnerships, academic programs, and joint research projects with European and American universities under Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programs.
Both sides reviewed the academic and research capabilities available at their respective institutions and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in joint research, faculty and student exchange, development of academic and training programs, as well as collaboration in innovation, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning.
The visit included a field tour of several Alexandria University facilities. The delegation visited the Borg El Arab campus to explore its educational and research infrastructure. They also toured the Faculty of Medicine, including the Center of Excellence for Regenerative Medicine Research and Applications, where they reviewed advanced technologies and discussed potential collaboration in cutting-edge medical research.
At the Faculty of Engineering, the delegation visited the Center of Excellence for Smart Infrastructure Research, the Water Center of Excellence, and several specialized laboratories, gaining insights into the university’s applied research in advanced technology, water resource management, and sustainable solutions.
The delegation also visited the New Smouha university land to review current and future development projects and explore cooperation opportunities in education, research, and technology. They further visited the Alexandria University Technology Park, where they were briefed on the university’s efforts to support researchers and entrepreneurs, transform research outputs into innovative projects with economic and developmental impact, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem by linking academic research with industry.
The Virginia Tech delegation expressed their admiration for Alexandria University’s scientific and research capabilities, affirming their interest in building a long-term strategic partnership that serves the mutual interests of both sides.
Both parties agreed to continue coordination in the coming period to explore potential cooperation opportunities in various areas of mutual academic and research interest, thereby enhancing international collaboration and supporting innovation and scientific excellence at both universities.
On the Second Day… Paris-Saclay University Delegation Inspects Technology Valley and Distinguished Research Laboratories at Alexandria University
As part of the visit of the Paris-Saclay University delegation to Alexandria University to explore avenues of cooperation in innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship, the French delegation continued the activities of the second day with a field tour that included the Technology Valley in Abis, as well as several advanced research laboratories, centers of excellence, and specialized facilities across the university.
Upon arrival at the Technology Valley, the delegation was received by Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University; Professor Dr. Affaf Al-Oufy, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Professor Dr. Roshdy Zahran, former President of Alexandria University and Rapporteur of the Supreme Committee for Strategies and Policies of the Technology Valley; Professor Dr. Yasser Refaat, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Planning and Governance and member of the Supreme Committee for the Technology Valley; Engineer Sherif Hedayat, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Dr. Dina El-Giari, Executive Director of the University Projects Management Unit; and Dr. Ziad El-Sayyad, Executive Director of the Engineering Center.
During the meeting, the strategic vision of the Technology Valley and its various components was presented, alongside discussions on proposed designs, infrastructure, and operational and governance frameworks. The discussions also explored leveraging the expertise of Paris-Saclay University in managing innovation ecosystems, technology transfer, and strengthening the link between scientific research and industry. Both sides further discussed the internal distribution of activities within the Valley to enhance the efficiency of the innovation system, support startups, and transform research outputs into economically and developmentally impactful projects.
The visit also included a tour of the Faculty of Engineering, where the delegation inspected the Fab Lab dedicated to plastic recycling and was introduced to the latest technologies used in waste recycling and sustainable plastic management. The delegation also visited the Water Excellence Center at Alexandria University, learning about its research activities in water resource management and the development of sustainable applied solutions, in addition to visiting Virginia Tech laboratories.
The delegation then proceeded to the Faculty of Medicine, where they were received by Dr. Mohamed Sadeka and Dr. Gehan Gewefel, Vice Deans of the Faculty. They attended a presentation by Dr. Radwa Mahna, Director of the Medical Research Center, on the integrated research system of the center and its role in preclinical and translational research in regenerative medicine, oncology, molecular biology, and advanced biomedical applications.
The delegation toured the Center of Excellence for Regenerative Medicine and Applications (CERRMA/MRC2), where they visited several specialized units, including cell culture laboratories, the flow cytometry unit, the animal facility equipped with advanced IVC systems, as well as the genomics lab, proteomics research lab, molecular biology lab, high-performance chromatography lab, and shared instrumentation facilities. This reflects the university’s advanced infrastructure supporting multidisciplinary biomedical research.
At the Faculty of Dentistry, the delegation was accompanied by Professor Dr. Rehab El-Debany, Acting Dean of the Faculty, on a tour of the Tissue Engineering Laboratories, which are among the leading centers in Egypt and the Middle East in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine research. The delegation reviewed ongoing research in stem cell technologies and the development of smart biomaterial scaffolds designed to regulate cell behavior and support tissue regeneration.
The visit also featured a live demonstration of 3D bioprinting technology using Egypt’s first bioprinter of its kind, enabling the fabrication of biological models and tissue-like structures that mimic natural tissues. Young researchers also presented their latest projects in this field.
The delegation further explored the “Organ-on-a-Chip” technology, which relies on advanced microfluidic chip design and fabrication to simulate human organ functions, enabling precise biomedical studies under physiological conditions. This represents one of the most promising directions in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and serves as a potential alternative to animal testing.
The French delegation expressed their admiration for the advanced research infrastructure and scientific capabilities of Alexandria University, emphasizing that the laboratories and centers they visited reflect the university’s strong potential to support innovation and applied research, forming a solid foundation for strengthening future cooperation in advanced technologies, knowledge transfer, and entrepreneurship.
During a Joint Workshop… Alexandria University Explores Mechanisms for Developing the Technology Valley and Leveraging the French Experience in Technology Transfer
As part of the visit of the delegation from Paris-Saclay University to Alexandria University, the university organized an extensive workshop to discuss ways of advancing the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, and enhancing the role of the Technology Valley in supporting startups, technology transfer, and linking scientific research with industry.
The workshop was attended by Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University; Professor Dr. Roshdy Zahran, former President of Alexandria University and Rapporteur of the Supreme Committee for Strategies and Policies of the Technology Valley; Professor Dr. Yasser Refaat, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Planning and Governance and member of the Supreme Committee for the Technology Valley; Engineer Sherif Hedayat, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; and, via video conference, Professor Dr. Walaa Sheta, CEO of the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), in addition to a number of experts and specialists from both sides.
During the workshop, Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim emphasized that Alexandria University is working to build an integrated innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem aimed at identifying promising research ideas and supporting researchers and innovators, contributing to transforming research outputs into practical applications and economically viable startups. He noted that the university places strong emphasis on strengthening intellectual property protection and encouraging innovation among students and researchers, in support of national development plans.
He added that the Technology Valley at Alexandria University represents a key pillar in the university’s strategy by strengthening the link between scientific research and industry, providing a stimulating environment for innovation and technology transfer, and opening channels of cooperation between researchers, entrepreneurs, and the industrial sector. He also stressed the importance of benefiting from leading international experiences, particularly that of Paris-Saclay University, in developing mechanisms for identifying, commercializing, and transforming innovation into applicable projects.
For their part, representatives of Paris-Saclay University presented their experience in supporting innovation and managing scientific research, expressing their strong interest in strengthening cooperation with Alexandria University in the fields of advanced technologies, entrepreneurship, and joint research, particularly through the Technology Valley. They highlighted the importance of exchanging expertise in identifying innovations, early-stage evaluation, and intellectual property protection, enabling their transformation into commercially viable industrial applications.
The workshop addressed mechanisms for developing the Technology Valley at Alexandria University and enhancing its role in supporting startups, as well as reviewing international best practices in technology transfer and in the commercialization of research outputs and their linkage to industry. It also discussed supporting researchers in developing their innovative ideas, evaluating patent registration opportunities, and documenting innovations at early stages to facilitate future commercialization and technology transfer.
Participants also examined mechanisms for identifying innovations within academic institutions and the role of Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) in supporting researchers across fields such as biotechnology, digital technologies, and health sciences, enabling the transformation of research ideas into applicable products.
The workshop emphasized that building an effective innovation discovery system within universities is a fundamental pillar for strengthening the knowledge-based economy, increasing patent registration rates, and supporting the establishment of technology-based startups.
It also discussed mechanisms for assessing the competitive positioning of new technologies, analyzing target markets, developing business models for startups, and establishing effective strategies for technology transfer to industry while strengthening partnerships with production sectors.
Alexandria University discusses with Paris-Saclay University strengthening cooperation in innovation and technology transfer
Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, received a high-level delegation from Paris-Saclay University, including Professor Xavier Apolinarski, Vice President for Innovation, Professor Rachid Benacer, Vice President for Research and Chairman of the Board, and Ms. Ipshita Singh, Partnerships Manager, to discuss ways of enhancing joint cooperation in the fields of innovation, technology transfer, and entrepreneurship, as well as cooperation in developing the Technology Valley at Alexandria University and strengthening its role in supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and linking scientific research with industry.
The visit was attended by Professor Dr. Hisham Said, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, Professor Dr. Afaf El-Awady, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, Professor Dr. Ali Abdel Mohsen, Supervisor of the International Relations Office, Professor Dr. Gehan Gewefel, Assistant President for Internationalization and International Branches, along with a number of deans of relevant faculties.
The meeting was also attended by members of the Board of Directors of Alexandria University’s Technology Valley, including Professor Dr. Rushdi Zahran, former President of Alexandria University and member of the Board of Trustees of Alamein International University; Professor Dr. Yasser Refaat, Advisor to the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research for Planning and Governance; Professor Dr. Mona Marri; Engineer Sherif Hedayat, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources; Professor Dr. Dina El-Giar, Executive Director of the University Projects Management Unit; and Professor Dr. Walaa Sheta, CEO of the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), in addition to a number of academic leaders and experts.
In his speech, Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim welcomed the French delegation, emphasizing the importance of strengthening international partnerships and exchanging expertise in the fields of innovation and scientific research, in a way that enhances the role of universities in keeping pace with rapid technological transformations and contributing to building a knowledge-based economy. He pointed out that Alexandria University adopts an integrated vision aligned with the goals of Egypt’s Vision 2030, through supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, linking scientific research to development needs and the labor market, and transforming knowledge into applied projects with economic and societal impact. He also reviewed the university’s efforts in developing its innovation ecosystem, supporting startups, and strengthening cooperation with the industrial sector, in addition to expanding its societal role through national initiatives and sustainable development projects, affirming the university’s commitment to benefiting from leading international experiences and expanding cooperation with French universities in a way that supports development plans and enhances the university’s regional and international rankings.
For their part, the delegation from Paris-Saclay University expressed their appreciation for Alexandria University, praising its distinguished academic legacy and prestigious scientific standing at both regional and international levels, as well as its rapid progress in education, research, and innovation. The delegation emphasized their interest in strengthening joint cooperation with Alexandria University in higher education and scientific research, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and linking research outputs with industry, particularly through cooperation with the Technology Park at Alexandria University, contributing to the development of impactful joint projects. They also expressed their aspiration to expand cooperation in the fields of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, and to develop joint training and research programs, as well as academic exchange of expertise to enhance the quality of education, research, and innovation for both sides.
The two sides also discussed potential areas of cooperation in artificial intelligence and related academic and research programs, as well as activating partnership through Alexandria University’s Technology Park, to support joint projects, technology transfer, and the practical application of research outcomes.
The meeting included presentation sessions introducing Alexandria University, covering its establishment, academic programs, international agreements and dual degrees with several global universities, in addition to existing and upcoming international branches, centers of excellence, global rankings, and its vision toward transitioning to a knowledge-based economy. The presentations also focused on strengthening partnerships in innovation and technological development, supporting research excellence-driven innovation and applied projects, as well as showcasing the Engineering Center at Alexandria University and its role in supporting applied research and linking its outcomes to industry.
The French side also delivered a presentation on Paris-Saclay University, highlighting its academic development, major faculties and academic and research programs, areas of scientific excellence, and advanced international rankings.
The presentation also covered the university’s experience in international cooperation, academic exchange programs, and mechanisms for supporting innovation and applied research, reflecting its vision to strengthen global partnerships and expand cooperation with higher education institutions worldwide.
Alexandria University participates in the reception ceremony organized by Alexandria Governorate on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha
Professor Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, participated in the reception ceremony organized by Alexandria Governorate on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, which was attended by a number of executive and security leaders, members of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and representatives of various entities.
He extended his sincere congratulations to the Governor of Alexandria, the people of the governorate, and the Egyptian people on this blessed occasion, praying that God may bring it back to Egypt with goodness, blessings, and prosperity, and that He may perpetuate security and stability upon the nation.
He also affirmed Alexandria University’s commitment to strengthening cooperation and communication with various state institutions, in order to contribute to development efforts and serve society.