Professor Dr. Hesham Saeed, Vice President of Alexandria University for Postgraduate Studies and Research, received on behalf of Professor Dr. Ahmed Adel Abdel Hakim, Acting President of Alexandria University, a high-level delegation from Virginia Tech, USA, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The visit aimed to strengthen academic and research collaboration between both universities and explore opportunities for establishing a strategic partnership in education, scientific research, innovation, and experiential learning.

The meeting was attended by Professor Dr. Roshdy Zahran, Professor of Chemical Engineering and former President of Alexandria University; Professor Dr. Ali Abdel Mohsen, Supervisor of the International Relations Office; Professor Dr. Gihan Jouifil, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine for Postgraduate Studies and Research and Assistant President for Internationalization and International Branches; and Dr. Ziad El-Sayed, Assistant Professor at the Department of Architectural Engineering and Executive Director of the Engineering Center at the Faculty of Engineering.

The Virginia Tech delegation included Dr. Jill Sible, Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Education, Director of the Academy of Experiential Learning, and Professor of Biological Sciences; Dr. Thomas Archibald, Executive Director of the Center for International Research, Education and Development (CIRED); Dr. Mohamed Siam, Experiential Learning Director and Associate Professor of Computer Science; Mr. Dennis Goinette, former Director of Laboratories; and Dr. Khaled Hassouna, Associate Director for Middle East and North Africa Initiatives and Curriculum Development at CIRED.

During the meeting, Professor Dr. Hesham Saeed emphasized Alexandria University’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships with globally ranked universities, noting that cooperation with Virginia Tech represents a valuable opportunity to enhance academic and research excellence and exchange expertise, contributing to sustainable development goals and strengthening the university’s international standing. He also highlighted the university’s scientific and human capabilities, its internationally recognized research output, and its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship skills through the Technology Park, international partnerships, academic programs, and joint research projects with European and American universities under Horizon Europe and Erasmus+ programs.

Both sides reviewed the academic and research capabilities available at their respective institutions and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in joint research, faculty and student exchange, development of academic and training programs, as well as collaboration in innovation, entrepreneurship, and experiential learning.

The visit included a field tour of several Alexandria University facilities. The delegation visited the Borg El Arab campus to explore its educational and research infrastructure. They also toured the Faculty of Medicine, including the Center of Excellence for Regenerative Medicine Research and Applications, where they reviewed advanced technologies and discussed potential collaboration in cutting-edge medical research.

At the Faculty of Engineering, the delegation visited the Center of Excellence for Smart Infrastructure Research, the Water Center of Excellence, and several specialized laboratories, gaining insights into the university’s applied research in advanced technology, water resource management, and sustainable solutions.

The delegation also visited the New Smouha university land to review current and future development projects and explore cooperation opportunities in education, research, and technology. They further visited the Alexandria University Technology Park, where they were briefed on the university’s efforts to support researchers and entrepreneurs, transform research outputs into innovative projects with economic and developmental impact, and strengthen the innovation ecosystem by linking academic research with industry.

The Virginia Tech delegation expressed their admiration for Alexandria University’s scientific and research capabilities, affirming their interest in building a long-term strategic partnership that serves the mutual interests of both sides.

Both parties agreed to continue coordination in the coming period to explore potential cooperation opportunities in various areas of mutual academic and research interest, thereby enhancing international collaboration and supporting innovation and scientific excellence at both universities.