Meeting in Cairo on April 23-24, the Board of Directors of the U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund approved 15 joint projects. These projects span fields such as agriculture, energy, health, and water. The board also agreed to allocate part of its funding to innovation-related activities.
The Joint Fund has supported over 500 collaborative projects between Egyptian and American scientists in diverse areas including agriculture, engineering, health, renewable energy, and water. Recent research under this fund has led to advancements like vaccines for the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus, development of efficient solar cells, and improved wheat and citrus production with reduced chemical fertilizers. The fund continues to enhance science's role in economic growth through innovation and technology commercialization.
Ambassador Beecroft remarked on the fund's impact: “The U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund is a superb example of the way bilateral cooperation can help make the world a healthier place for all of us.” He highlighted that since 1995, the fund has promoted collaboration addressing development challenges and fostering economic growth.
Jonathan Margolis, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, led the U.S. delegation at the meeting. This delegation included members from organizations such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USAID, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Science Foundation.
Further information about the U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund can be found at their official websites.