Egyptian Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Abdel Aziz Qanswa, recently visited the Free University of Brussels (VUB) where he met with Dr. Jan Danckaert, the university's president, Dr. Peter Balon, vice-president for research, and Dr. Wim Vandenabeele, vice-president for internationalization. The meeting was attended by Egyptian Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union, Ahmed Abouzid, and cultural attaché, Shahnda Ezzat. The discussions focused on strengthening academic and research ties between Egyptian and Belgian institutions.
During the meeting, Dr. Qanswa emphasized the importance of expanding international partnerships between Egyptian universities and their European counterparts. This, he believes, will enhance the development of Egypt's higher education and scientific research systems, promote academic exchange, and open up new opportunities for students and researchers. The minister highlighted the need to develop joint and dual degree programs, update postgraduate studies, and align them with scientific advancements and labor market needs.
The talks also explored opportunities for developing joint and dual degree programs, particularly in medical, engineering, and technological fields. This would facilitate the exchange of academic expertise and utilize the educational and research capabilities of both parties. Furthermore, the two sides discussed enhancing cooperation in postgraduate studies, exchanging researchers, and providing training and research opportunities for young researchers and postdoctoral scholars.
In the field of applied scientific research and innovation, Dr. Qanswa stressed the importance of integrating universities with industry and linking research outcomes to societal needs and productive sectors. This, he believes, will convert research results into practical applications and innovative technological solutions. The meeting also touched on developing comprehensive research and development environments, including technology parks, and fostering partnerships between academic institutions and the industrial sector.
The two sides also explored cooperation opportunities in priority areas such as renewable energy, green hydrogen and ammonia, water treatment and reuse, robotics, electric vehicles and batteries, and biotechnology. Additionally, they discussed medical research and humanities and social sciences, promoting multidisciplinary cooperation and expertise exchange in scientific and applied fields.
The meeting concluded with discussions on leveraging European programs supporting education and scientific research, particularly Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe. The parties sought to explore opportunities for participating in joint research projects and co-funding mechanisms, ensuring the necessary resources for implementing projects and initiatives of mutual interest.
Dr. Qanswa emphasized the importance of building on the existing cooperation with the Free University of Brussels to develop sustainable academic and research partnerships between the two sides. This, he believes, will enhance the participation of students and researchers in international programs and projects, ultimately improving the quality of higher education, supporting innovation, and boosting the competitiveness of Egyptian universities and research institutions.
Key points
- Strengthening academic and research ties between Egyptian universities and the Free University of Brussels.
- Developing joint and dual degree programs in medical, engineering, and technological fields.
- Enhancing cooperation in postgraduate studies, researcher exchange, and innovation.
