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Alexandria University Participates in the French Consulate's Heritage Revival Activities in Alexandria
As part of its commitment to preserving Alexandria's cultural identity and strengthening cooperation with international institutions concerned with heritage and culture, Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, participated in the reception hosted by the Consulate General of France in Alexandria at the invitation of Ms. Lina Balan, Consul General of France in Alexandria, within the framework of the celebrations dedicated to reviving the city's heritage.
The event was attended by Eng. Ayman Attia, Governor of Alexandria; Dr. Marwan El-Sammak, President of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Alexandria; Mr. Mohamed Metwally, Director General of Alexandria Antiquities; Dr. Heba Makram, Member of the Senate; in addition to a distinguished gathering of university professors, engineers, executive leaders, and representatives of institutions concerned with heritage and culture.
Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim emphasized that Alexandria University's participation reflects its commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at preserving the city's architectural and cultural heritage, while raising awareness of the importance of safeguarding this legacy as a cornerstone of sustainable development and a means of reinforcing the historical identity of the "Bride of the Mediterranean."
The celebrations also included a specialized seminar held at the headquarters of the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Alexandria under the chairmanship of Dr. Marwan El-Sammak. The seminar addressed a number of proposals and visions related to the revitalization of heritage areas and the development of downtown Alexandria. Participants underscored the importance of collaboration among academic, executive, and cultural institutions to benefit from international expertise in preserving Alexandria's urban and historical heritage, thereby enhancing its status as one of the Mediterranean's most distinguished cities with a unique cultural legacy.
The celebration concluded with the screening of a documentary highlighting Alexandria's rich history, its distinctive landmarks, and presentations by engineers and experts participating in the seminar, who showcased architectural and heritage-based proposals for the development of the city's historic districts.
Virginia Tech Delegation Visits Alexandria University's Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers
As part of efforts to strengthen academic and cultural cooperation with leading international universities, and under the auspices of Professor Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, a delegation from Virginia Tech University (USA) visited the Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers at Alexandria University to learn about the Center's experience and its role in teaching Arabic and promoting Egyptian and Arab culture among international students.
The visit was part of the American delegation's program, which included tours of a number of the University's distinguished faculties, centers, and units, as well as discussions on potential areas of cooperation that would contribute to enhancing academic and cultural ties between the two institutions.
The delegation was welcomed by Dr. Lana Gobran Habib, Director of the Center, who reviewed the educational activities and programs offered by the Center to learners from various nationalities. She explained that the Center is regarded as one of the internationally recognized institutions specializing in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. It provides integrated academic and training programs based on the latest educational methodologies and teaching approaches, contributing to the development of students' language skills and facilitating their integration into the Egyptian cultural environment.
Dr. Habib emphasized that teaching Arabic represents a bridge for civilizational and cultural communication among peoples. She noted the Center's commitment to implementing Alexandria University's vision of supporting the internationalization of education and attracting more international students from around the world, thereby enhancing the University's position as a regional and international hub of academic and cultural excellence.
The delegation was also introduced to the educational and technological resources available at the Center, as well as the cultural activities organized for students, which aim to familiarize them with Egyptian and Arab culture and promote the values of dialogue and intercultural understanding.
The meeting featured presentations delivered by the academic directors of the Chinese Program, the University of Copenhagen Program, the St. Petersburg University Program, and the University of Mississippi Program at the Center.
The presentations addressed the educational philosophy and objectives of each program and highlighted the diversity of educational experiences offered to students from different nationalities.
The presentations also shed light on the cultural activities accompanying the educational process, including Arabic calligraphy, Egyptian cuisine, singing, cinema and theater clubs, and other activities that help introduce students to Egyptian and Arab culture. Samples of students' testimonials were also presented, reflecting their appreciation of the positive educational and cultural experiences they had during their studies at the Center.
The delegation met with a number of American students enrolled in the intensive summer program and listened to their opinions and impressions regarding their studies at the Center, their experience of learning Arabic, and their engagement with Egyptian society.
Members of the delegation praised the Center's distinguished standards and Alexandria University's efforts in providing a comprehensive educational and cultural experience for international students. They also expressed their aspiration to expand areas of academic and cultural partnership and exchange expertise in language education and cultural exchange between the two sides.
This visit reflects the international standing enjoyed by the Center for Teaching Arabic to Non-Native Speakers and its role in supporting Alexandria University's strategy for the internationalization of education and strengthening its academic and cultural presence worldwide.
The meeting concluded with responses to the delegation members' inquiries and reaffirmation of the Center's welcome to Virginia Tech students, whether through enrollment in its various academic programs or through the design of specialized programs tailored to their academic and cultural needs.
Alexandria University Holds Workshop with Virginia Tech Delegation to Discuss the Development of the Technology Valley and the International Branch in Borg El Arab
As part of the ongoing visit of a delegation from Virginia Tech to Alexandria University, and under the auspices of Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, the University organized a joint workshop to review the latest developments regarding the establishment of Virginia Tech’s international branch on Alexandria University’s campus in Borg El Arab.
The workshop also explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in joint academic programs, emerging technologies, innovation, and the integration of scientific research with industry through Alexandria University’s Technology Valley.
The workshop was attended by Professor Dr. Hesham Saeed, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; Professor Dr. Roshdy Zahran, Former President of Alexandria University and Rapporteur of the Higher Committee for Technology Valley Strategies and Policies; Professor Dr. Ali Abdel Mohsen, Supervisor of the International Relations Office; Professor Dr. Gihan Jouifil, Assistant President for Internationalization and International Branches; Professor Dr. Wael El-Maghlani, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; along with a number of university leaders and faculty members, in addition to the Virginia Tech delegation.
The American delegation included Dr. Jill Sible, Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Director of the Academy of Experiential Learning; Dr. Thomas Archibald, Executive Director of the Center for International Research, Education, and Development (CIRED); Dr. Mohamed Siam, Director of Experiential Learning 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 his remarks, Professor Dr. Hesham Saeed welcomed the Virginia Tech delegation and reaffirmed Alexandria University’s commitment to international expansion and the establishment of strategic partnerships with globally distinguished universities, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of its graduates and improve the quality of education and research.
He reviewed the longstanding cooperation between the two institutions in several engineering and technical programs, noting that Alexandria University continues to expand its portfolio of joint academic programs and international degrees, while also hosting branches of international universities at its Borg El Arab campus. These efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to internationalize higher education and position the University as a regional hub for advanced educational services.
Professor Dr. Hesham Saeed also highlighted the University’s efforts to establish a world-class Technology Valley that will accelerate knowledge transfer between academia and industry, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and provide the necessary infrastructure for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, thereby transforming research outcomes into economic and developmental value.
Professor Dr. Roshdy Zahran emphasized that Alexandria University is one of Egypt’s oldest higher education institutions and possesses a distinguished academic and research legacy. He noted that the Technology Valley represents a strategic project aimed at supporting the knowledge economy by linking scientific research outputs with industry and transforming innovations into products with added economic value. He added that this approach contributes to the establishment of companies based on research outcomes and scientific ideas developed within the University, thereby enhancing economic competitiveness and promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in line with Egypt’s sustainable development goals and future vision.
For her part, Dr. Jill Sible expressed her appreciation for the collaboration with Alexandria University, praising its status as one of Egypt’s most prestigious universities and highlighting its strong research capabilities and industry-oriented initiatives that address societal challenges through scientific research. She reaffirmed Virginia Tech’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in scientific research, experiential learning, and knowledge transfer, particularly within the framework of the Technology Valley.
The workshop addressed mechanisms for supporting and developing the Technology Valley and enhancing its role in fostering startups. Participants reviewed international best practices in technology transfer, commercialization of research outputs, and industry engagement. Discussions also covered ways to support researchers in developing innovative ideas, evaluating patent opportunities, and documenting innovations at early stages to facilitate their commercialization and transfer.
The Alexandria University team also delivered a presentation outlining the key features of the Technology Valley project, in addition to a presentation on its medical component, reflecting the integration of various research and applied sectors within the initiative.
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.
