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President of Alexandria University Discusses Strengthening Academic and Research Cooperation with Delegation from Virginia Tech (USA)
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, received today a delegation from Virginia Tech University (USA), which included professor Khaled Hassouna, professor Jim Egenrieder, and professor Reza Barkhi, to discuss prospects for academic and research cooperation between the two universities. The discussions focused particularly on joint programs, dual degrees, student and faculty exchanges, and support for joint research projects.
The meeting was also attended by Dr. Ali Abdelmohsen, Advisor to the President for Education and Student Affairs, and Dr. Omnia Mokhtar Yaqout, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Business for Postgraduate Studies and Research.
Dr. Konsowa emphasized that Alexandria University places great importance on expanding its international partnerships with globally renowned universities. He noted that cooperation with Virginia Tech represents a qualitative addition that will contribute to the development of academic and research programs at the university and will provide students with outstanding opportunities to learn and engage with global experiences.
For his part, the head of the Virginia Tech delegation expressed his delight at visiting Alexandria University, affirming his institution’s keenness to build a fruitful partnership with one of Egypt’s most prestigious universities. He pointed out that this cooperation will open new horizons for scientific and cultural exchange, bringing mutual benefits and supporting both universities’ vision to enhance their international presence in education and research.
Alexandria University Participates in the 13th Annual Graduation Ceremony of African Students in the “Elite African Youth” Program
On Monday, September 22, 2025, Alexandria University participated in the 13th annual graduation ceremony of African students enrolled in the “Elite African Youth” program. The event was organized by the Sustainable Development Studies, Youth Capacity Building, and African Relations Support Program at the Academic Research Sector of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation; Dr. Ali Abdel Mohsen, Advisor to the University President for Education and Student Affairs, on behalf of Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University; Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina; as well as several ambassadors, presidents of Egyptian universities, and public figures.
The celebration marked the graduation of around 300 African students studying at various Egyptian universities, representing Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Malawi, the Comoros, Djibouti, and Egypt.
In his speech, Dr. Hani Sewilam congratulated the graduates, affirming that Egypt places cooperation with its African brothers among its top priorities, especially in the fields of water and natural resources. He noted that the continent faces increasing challenges amid water scarcity, population growth, and the adverse impacts of climate change. He stressed the need for intensified cooperation and knowledge exchange among African nations to confront these challenges, reiterating Egypt’s readiness to support African capacities and transfer its distinguished expertise in water resource management and infrastructure projects to contribute to sustainable development across the continent.
For his part, Dr. Ali Abdel Mohsen emphasized that Alexandria University is keen to strengthen Egyptian–African ties by hosting African students and providing advanced academic and research programs. He pointed out that throughout its history, the university has graduated thousands of African students, many of whom went on to hold leadership positions in their home countries and served as true ambassadors of Egypt across the continent. He also highlighted that the university has branches in Chad and South Sudan, along with 17 cooperation agreements with African universities in several countries, reflecting the university’s commitment to opening new horizons for African students and supporting their academic and professional aspirations.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Zayed affirmed that the Bibliotheca Alexandrina places programs supporting African youth at the core of its cultural mission as a beacon of knowledge across the continent. He explained that the “Elite African Youth” program is not limited to academic training but also works to build human and cultural networks between African youth and their Egyptian peers through weekly meetings and joint activities, thereby fostering a spirit of cooperation and collective action. He added that such programs are vital tools to reaffirm Egypt’s pioneering role in Africa and strengthen its presence in issues of development and capacity building.
It is worth noting that the “Elite African Youth” programs directed at African students aim to strengthen Egyptian–African relations and open channels of communication between African and Egyptian students through weekly meetings at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. The library mobilizes all its resources to support and build their capacities, reaffirming Egypt’s leading role in Africa, while promoting the exchange of knowledge and expertise and reinforcing future relations among these young generations.
Council of Postgraduate Studies and Research Discusses the Research Integrity Index and Its Impact on Scientific Research
The Council of Postgraduate Studies and Research, chaired by Dr. Hesham Said, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Research, convened its session on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, to discuss the topic of Research Integrity in Egyptian Universities: Analysis and Policy Recommendations.
During the session, Dr. Hesham Said explained the concept of article retraction from international journals after publication and the reasons behind such retractions, including self-retraction or honest mistake retraction as well as editorial board retractions, which are considered corrective actions within the databases containing these articles. He pointed out that, over the past five years, a total of 953 articles affiliated with Egyptian universities were retracted from international journals, including 250 articles in 2023 alone. Moreover, 353 retracted articles involved Egyptian researchers in collaboration with researchers from Arab universities. The presentation also highlighted the various causes of post-publication retractions in indexed international journals and addressed the phenomenon of paper mills, their characteristics, and the methods used to identify and avoid them.
Dr. Hesham Said further presented a comparative analysis of retracted articles across different countries, which revealed that retraction rates in the Middle East and North Africa are relatively high compared to European and American countries. The study recommended establishing centralized mechanisms for oversight and accountability within Egyptian universities, as well as expanding cooperation with other Arab universities to establish offices dedicated to research integrity, and collaborating with international bodies such as the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) in the UK. The presentation also reviewed the procedures followed in cases of retracted publications, including sanctions that should be imposed by the university through its Office of Research Integrity, in order to safeguard the reputation, integrity, and global ranking of Alexandria University.
The Council also approved a series of academic agreements and programs, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale, France, for student exchange and joint dual degrees; a proposed cooperation agreement with Ibn Tofail University, Morocco, in the field of scientific publishing, joint research projects, and the development of new collaborative academic programs; an agreement with the Center for Language Education and Cooperation of the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China to provide volunteers for teaching the Chinese language at the Faculty of Arts; and a cooperation agreement between the Alexandria University Center for Maritime Archaeology and Underwater Cultural Heritage and the Honor Frost Foundation for Maritime Archaeology.
In addition, the Council approved changing the title of the Master’s and PhD degrees in Audiology to Master’s and PhD in Audiology and Balance Medicine, in accordance with the recommendation of the Medical Studies Sector Committee of the Supreme Council of Universities. The Council also approved the establishment of a specialized Master’s program in Drug Design as a dual degree between the Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, and the University of Caen Normandy, France.
Furthermore, the Council endorsed new professional diploma programs at the Institute of Medical Research in Biological Analytical Chemistry and Laboratory Techniques, Medical and Industrial Nanotechnology, Medical Device Safety and Efficiency, and Applied Medical Artificial Intelligence. It also approved amending the credit hours of the Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism Guidance at the Faculty of Tourism and Hotels to 42 credit hours instead of 24.
President of Alexandria University Directs the Student Affairs Council to Foster an Integrated Campus Environment and Enhance Student Activities
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, emphasized during the meeting of the Council for Education and Student Affairs held yesterday the importance of providing all means of support and care for students across various faculties, praising the regularity of study since the beginning of the academic year and the outstanding attendance rates.
Dr. Konsowa stressed the need for faculty vice deans to work towards creating a positive academic environment that helps students excel and achieve distinction, both academically and in participating in student activities. He also highlighted the importance of providing full support to students with disabilities and those facing financial difficulties, in addition to holding open meetings to listen to their opinions and suggestions in order to overcome challenges and ensure an exceptional educational experience.
During the council, the President listened to the visions and future plans of the vice deans for developing the educational process within their faculties. This comes within the framework of the university’s general strategy, which places the quality of education and the advancement of the learning process at the top of its priorities, while focusing on strengthening the role of students and developing their skills in line with the requirements of both the local and international labor markets.
For his part, Dr. Ali Abdel Mohsen, Advisor to the President for Education and Student Affairs, congratulated all members of the university on the occasion of the new academic year. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to faculty members, teaching assistants, and staff for their efforts and the achievements accomplished during the past year, stressing the importance of continuing this dedication and excellence throughout the current academic year and in the years ahead.
President of Alexandria University Inspects the Start of the Academic Year and Joins Students with Disabilities in the Flag-Salute Ceremony
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, inspected on Saturday morning, September 20, 2025, the progress of study across the university’s faculties and institutes as the new academic year 2025/2026 commenced. He was accompanied by Dr. Ali Abdel Mohsen, Advisor to the President for Education and Student Affairs.
The tour included visits to the Medical Campus, the Humanities Campus, the Taha Hussein Center for Students with Disabilities, as well as the Faculties of Agriculture and Science.
During the tour, Dr. Konsowa congratulated faculty members, students, and staff on the beginning of the new academic year, stressing the importance of discipline from day one, adherence to university values and public ethics, and regular class attendance. He also inspected lecture halls, classrooms, and laboratories to ensure the readiness of faculty members and teaching assistants for a smooth and effective educational process.
In an open dialogue with students, the President emphasized that knowledge is the cornerstone of building nations and strengthening their stature and influence. He directed faculty deans to organize orientation programs for new students to help them integrate into university life, familiarize them with academic programs, and highlight the dual degree agreements the university has signed with leading international institutions—aimed at graduating highly competitive professionals on a global scale. He also listened to briefings from the deans on their plans for welcoming students at the start of the year.
The tour also witnessed the President participating in the flag-raising and salute ceremony alongside students with disabilities from the “Social Leaders Team,” the first of its kind among Egyptian universities—an inspiring scene that reflected values of belonging and active participation. Dr. Konsowa also visited the Taha Hussein Center for Students with Disabilities, reaffirming the university’s commitment to providing full support for them, enabling their participation in various student activities, and preparing and empowering them as capable contributors to shaping the future.
