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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.
President of Alexandria University Receives the Saudi Consul to Discuss Strengthening Academic and Cultural Cooperation
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, received yesterday, Thursday, Ambassador Mazid bin Mohammed Al-Huwaishan, Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Alexandria, accompanied by Dr. Mansour Al-Khathlan, Saudi Cultural Attaché, to discuss ways of fostering joint cooperation between the two sides in the fields of education, academia, and culture.
During the meeting, Dr. Konsowa emphasized the deep historical ties and strong relations that unite Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He highlighted Alexandria University’s keenness to enhance cooperation with Saudi educational institutions, noting the university’s great attention to supporting international students by providing an enabling educational and living environment that helps them excel and succeed. The President also encouraged Saudi students to take advantage of the dual degree programs offered by the university in partnership with top international universities, stressing that these programs provide graduates with a strong competitive edge in the global labor market and open wide horizons for international expertise and knowledge. He further noted that the university intends to organize regular events to introduce its international programs and overseas branches.
For his part, Ambassador Mazid bin Mohammed Al-Huwaishan praised the quality of education at Alexandria University, affirming that Saudi students graduating from the Faculty of Medicine achieve high success rates in the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties exams on their first attempt—reflecting the excellence and leadership of the university’s education. He also expressed his appreciation for the university administration’s care for international students, stressing that the strong and solid relations between the Egyptian and Saudi peoples positively impact academic, educational, and research cooperation, and contribute to preparing distinguished cadres capable of competing in the local, regional, and global labor markets.
President of Alexandria University Attends Graduation Ceremony of the 79th Class of the Faculty of Engineering
Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, President of Alexandria University, attended on Thursday evening, September 18, 2025, the graduation ceremony of the 79th class of the Faculty of Engineering. The event was held in the presence of Major General Staff Yasser Abdel-Moaz El-Khatib, Commander of the Northern Military Region; Eng. Amira Salah, Deputy Governor of Alexandria; Prof. Walid Abdel-Azim, Dean of the Faculty; Prof. Wael Al-Maghlany, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs; Prof. Essam Wahba, Vice Dean for Graduate Studies and Research; and Prof. Mohamed Hesham Saoudi, Chairman of the Engineers Syndicate in Alexandria. The ceremony was also attended by a number of current and former university leaders, members of parliament and the senate, parents, and students.
In his speech, Dr. Konsowa congratulated the graduates and their families, stressing that this day represents the harvest of years of effort and perseverance. He emphasized that Alexandria University is steadily moving forward to enhance its global competitiveness through academic partnerships with leading international universities. He further highlighted the university’s commitment to developing its educational and research infrastructure and undergraduate laboratories, noting that 10% of the university’s surplus has been allocated to support students’ innovative ideas through the Technology Park. This initiative, he explained, contributes to building a knowledge-based economy and creating success stories in entrepreneurship, start-ups, and applied research outcomes. He concluded by extending his gratitude and congratulations to the parents who spared no effort to support their children and wished the graduates every success in their future endeavors.
For his part, Major General Staff Yasser Abdel-Moaz El-Khatib, Commander of the Northern Military Region, affirmed that the new graduates are the foundation of the future, the nation’s strength, and the true power capable of shaping tomorrow. He stressed that Egypt is being built through the efforts of its dedicated youth in major national projects aimed at achieving comprehensive development and positioning the country in its rightful place regionally and internationally. He added that the Faculty of Engineering at Alexandria University, with its creative young minds, is a source of pride and is well-positioned to contribute to Egypt’s development journey. He urged graduates to be role models, harness their knowledge in service of their nation, and extended his appreciation to the parents and faculty members for their efforts in guiding the students to this proud moment.
Prof. Walid Abdel-Azim, Dean of the Faculty, described the graduation day as a time of harvest for students, who now reap the fruits of the knowledge, skills, and values they gained during their years at the faculty. He encouraged them to uphold their mission and values, and to be proud ambassadors of their university and country. He further emphasized that true success lies in transforming knowledge into action, ideas into achievements, and challenges into opportunities. He pointed out that in recent years, the Faculty of Engineering has launched advanced academic programs in areas such as sustainable engineering, renewable energy, and digital transformation, alongside upgrading laboratories and facilities in line with labor market needs.
Prof. Wael Al-Maghlany described the day as exceptional, praising the university’s leadership for its support of the educational process. He noted that the Faculty of Engineering currently serves more than 15,000 students enrolled in the credit-hour system, which has resulted in graduating a distinguished class capable of competing locally and internationally. He stressed that excellence does not end with receiving a degree, but begins with the continuous pursuit of learning and development, urging graduates to set an example for others through their dedication and integrity at work.
Meanwhile, Prof. Hesham Saoudi, Chairman of the Engineers Syndicate in Alexandria, emphasized that today’s graduates are called upon to be worthy ambassadors of their faculty and university, and to translate their learning into projects and achievements that serve
society and contribute to the nation’s progress.
