Cairo – Today, the U.S. and Egypt opened a symposium which highlights the plans and accomplishments of current grantees of the U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund.  This two-day event provides an opportunity for grantees to meet other program participants, discuss research plans, and present outcomes of past collaborative scientific research projects.   

“Egypt has a wealth of highly trained scientists and research laboratories,” said Rebecca Latorraca, Deputy Mission Director for USAID/Egypt.  “The relationships that are beginning in the room today between esteemed Egyptian researchers and their American counterparts will continue to build bridges between our countries as we continue to partner in solving the scientific, human, and economic challenges we all face.”  

The United States and Egypt have a bilateral science and technology cooperation agreement that began in 1995.  Through this agreement, the U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund promotes collaboration between U.S. and Egyptian scientists to address development challenges and promote economic growth, particularly in applied research and technology commercialization. This program provides grants for high-impact scientific research in areas such as public health, food security, energy, and water security. 

A U.S. and Egyptian Joint Board governs this fund and meets on an annual basis.  In January 2016, the Board awarded grants for 15 joint research proposals totaling nearly $3.2 million ($1.7 million supported through the Egyptian Government and $2.5 million supported through the U.S. Government). These grants will facilitate collaborative research in health, agriculture, energy and basic science. 

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