Dr. Affaf Al-Oufy, Vice President of Alexandria University for Community Service and Environmental Development, inaugurated the renovated main Physics Laboratory at the Faculty of Science (El-Shatby) on Sunday, June 21, 2026, as part of the University's ongoing strategy to modernize its infrastructure, upgrade research laboratories, and enhance the quality of education.

The inauguration was attended by Dr. Mohamed Essam Hagar, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Chemist Hesham Riyad, Chairman and Managing Director of the Egyptian Ethylene and Derivatives Company (ETHYDCO); Dr. Wegdan Ahmed, Head of the Physics Department; along with faculty members, teaching assistants, company representatives, and officials from the firms involved in the renovation project.

Dr. Al-Oufy emphasized that the renovation of the Physics Laboratory represents a significant step toward realizing Alexandria University's vision of providing competitive, high-quality higher education. She noted that investing in advanced laboratories directly contributes to equipping students with the scientific knowledge and practical skills required to meet the demands of local, regional, and international labor markets.

She added that the University places the modernization of laboratories and research facilities among its strategic priorities in order to advance the educational system, foster innovation and creativity, and provide an environment that supports high-quality applied scientific research serving society and contributing to sustainable development goals.

The Vice President expressed her appreciation to the Egyptian Ethylene and Derivatives Company (ETHYDCO) and all participating companies for their valuable contribution, stressing that this collaboration represents a successful model of partnership between academia and industry, strengthening the integration of academic education with practical application. She also highlighted the importance of preserving the renovated laboratory as a valuable asset for current and future generations of students.

For his part, Dr. Mohamed Essam Hagar stated that the laboratory renovation is part of the Faculty's strategy to modernize its educational and research infrastructure, restoring the laboratory as a distinguished scientific facility that meets the requirements of modern higher education. He noted that the laboratory has been an integral part of the Faculty's history since its establishment in 1963 and has contributed over the decades to educating thousands of graduates and scientists who have enriched scientific research both in Egypt and abroad.

He further affirmed that the project reflects the University's conviction that investment in education and scientific research is the most valuable investment in the future, emphasizing the importance of providing students with a modern learning environment that encourages creativity and innovation while urging them to make the best use of the laboratory's new capabilities.

Meanwhile, Eng. Hesham Riyad expressed his pride in visiting the Faculty of Science, describing it as one of Egypt's most prestigious academic institutions that has graduated generations of distinguished scientists and researchers, including the late Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Dr. Ahmed Zewail. He noted that this reflects Alexandria University's outstanding academic reputation.

He added that the renovation of the Physics Laboratory serves as an excellent example of cooperation between Egypt's petroleum sector and public universities, supporting education and scientific research while helping prepare highly qualified graduates capable of meeting the needs of national industry and keeping pace with technological advancements.

He also stressed that the partnership between ETHYDCO and the Faculty of Science represents a successful model of collaboration between academia and industry, particularly given that many of the company's employees are graduates of the Faculty, further strengthening institutional ties and cooperation.

Dr. Wegdan Ahmed explained that the laboratory renovation is part of the Faculty's comprehensive plan to modernize its laboratories in accordance with international standards, noting that the upgraded facilities will significantly enhance practical training for students and support scientific research activities.

Following the inauguration, Dr. Al-Oufy toured the laboratory, where she was briefed on the newly installed equipment, modern facilities, and operational mechanisms, as well as the advanced educational and research opportunities they provide.