As part of supporting academic and scientific cooperation and enhancing integration between higher education institutions and research bodies, the Egyptian Space Agency signed a cooperation protocol with Shorouk Academy on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Egyptian Space Agency headquarters.
Professor Dr. Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Agency, represented the Egyptian Space Agency at the signing of the protocol, while Major General Dr. Ahmed Sayed Abdel Rahim, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy, represented Shorouk Academy, in the presence of a select group of leaders from both sides.
The Egyptian Space Agency delegation included:
Dr. Magdy Tantawy, Technical Advisor to the President of the Egyptian Space Agency.
Dr. Bilal El-Leithy, Director General of the Earth Observation Data Department.
Dr. Ayman Mahmoud, Head of the Central Administration for Space Programs.
Dr. Haitham Medhat, Head of the Central Administration for Space Systems.
Major General Walid Hossam, Director General of the Technical Office.
Ms. Nesma Yamani, Director of the Media Department. Mr. Yehia Ghoneim, Public Relations Department.
Mr. Mahmoud Masoud, Media Department.
From Shorouk Academy, the delegation included:
Professor Dr. Mohamed Shoman, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Shorouk Academy.
Professor Dr. Hossam El-Dessouki, Dean of the Higher Institute of Engineering.
Professor Dr. Mohamed Salah El-Din, Dean of the Higher Institute of Computers and Information Technology.
Professor Dr. Sohair Saleh Ibrahim, Dean of the International Higher Institute of Media. Professor Dr. Salah El-Agouz, Head of the Department of Communications and Computers. Dr. Mohamed Abdel Hamid, Agreement Coordinator, Department of Communications and Computers.
Professor Dr. Sherif Sedky, CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency, gave a comprehensive overview of the agency's capabilities and the tangible developments achieved over the past period across various sectors. He emphasized the breakthroughs the agency has witnessed in the areas of infrastructure, scientific research, and cooperative projects with numerous local and international entities.
His Excellency also addressed the agency's efforts to develop the technology zone to attract international companies operating in the space sector and provide them with the necessary capabilities and facilities, which will contribute to maximizing economic returns and achieving the maximum benefit from these partnerships.
Dr. Sedky emphasized the agency's pivotal role in spreading awareness of space science and technology through ongoing cooperation with universities, schools, and educational institutions, with the goal of preparing an informed and qualified generation to contribute to the future of the space industry in Egypt and the region.
This protocol aims to establish effective cooperation between the two parties in the fields of education, training, and capacity building, as well as research and applied projects that utilize space technologies and remote sensing. These projects span multiple disciplines, including computer engineering and science, communications and cybersecurity, desert agriculture, geographic information systems, new and renewable energy, lasers, radar, and sensors, and other related disciplines.
The protocol builds on the previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties in March 2020, which laid the foundations for scientific cooperation in the field of space technology research and applications.
The protocol also stipulates the exchange of scientific periodicals and journals, access to scientific databases and libraries, and the exchange of computational models and research applications, in accordance with applicable legal regulations. In the field of training and capacity building, the cooperation includes organizing joint training programs, workshops, and scientific seminars.
It also includes supporting students and support staff from Shorouk Academy with practical training in the laboratories of the Egyptian Space Agency, and providing scholarships for the agency's research and engineering staff to complete postgraduate studies at the academy's faculties.
The two parties also agreed to prepare research proposals. Following the signing ceremony, the two sides exchanged appreciation shields. This cooperation falls within the framework of the Egyptian Space Agency's strategy to enhance the use of space science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals, localizing technology, and supporting the national innovation system. It also reflects Shorouk Academy's commitment to linking scientific research with the country's needs and future directions.