The Alexandria University Council convened yesterday under the chairmanship of Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, the university president. He began the meeting by congratulating the council members on the Supreme Council of Universities' approval to establish international branches of Alexandria University in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Iraq, and Greece. Konsowa confirmed that specialized task forces will be formed for each branch to undertake the necessary executive procedures for launching academic programs.
International Agreements to Strengthen Academic Cooperation
The university president reviewed the outcomes of his visit to the United Kingdom, during which over 20 dual-degree programs were signed in engineering, computing, business, and political science. These agreements were established in collaboration with the Universities of Essex, Southampton, and East London, paving the way for student exchange programs starting next academic year. The visit culminated in the University of Southampton's approval to establish an international branch in Alexandria in partnership with Alexandria University.
Additionally, he discussed the outcomes of his visit to Virginia Tech in the United States, which resulted in academic and research agreements, including the establishment of master's programs in engineering and computing. The agreements also covered major research projects in nanotechnology, energy, green hydrogen, cancer research, and viral hepatitis. Furthermore, Konsowa attended the inauguration of the Innovation Campus at the American University and coordinated with the Governor of Virginia to initiate a twinning agreement between Alexandria University in Egypt and Alexandria University in Virginia. Virginia Tech also approved the establishment of an international branch in Borg El Arab, Alexandria.
Global Rankings and Academic Achievements
The council reviewed Alexandria University's latest QS World University Rankings, where it secured a global ranking in four major fields:
Life Sciences & Medicine
Engineering & Technology
Natural Sciences
Social Sciences & Management
The university also achieved distinguished rankings in 16 sub-disciplines, including medicine, pharmacy, engineering, business administration, sciences, agriculture, law, veterinary medicine, and computing. In recognition of these achievements, the university honored the deans of the respective faculties for their contributions to international rankings.
New Development Projects
The council provisionally approved a feasibility study for establishing a specialized pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit on the premises of Smouha Children’s Hospital. This proposal will be submitted to the Supreme Council of University Hospitals for a partnership protocol with civil society organizations.
Additionally, the council approved the launch of two new master's programs:
Sustainable Coastal Resource Management and Blue Economy – Faculty of Science
Pharmaceutical Drug Design – A dual-degree program between Alexandria University (Faculty of Pharmacy) and the University of Caen Normandy, France
Collaborations and International Partnerships
The council ratified several cooperation agreements between Alexandria University and prestigious international academic institutions, including:
Faculty of Tourism & Hotels with the ISESCO and University of Córdoba, Spain
Faculty of Education with University of Malta
Faculty of Business with Georgia State University, USA
Donations to Support Research and Medical Equipment
The council accepted donations and grants exceeding EGP 44 million, including:
A blood component separator worth EGP 3.3 million, donated to the Medical Research Institute by Infinity Medical Services
Renovation of two laboratories at the Faculty of Science, valued at EGP 1 million, funded by Kamal Saad Group
Medical equipment worth EGP 13.7 million, donated by Tadawo Charitable Foundation to the Faculty of Medicine
A vascular catheterization device worth EGP 27 million, donated by El Ghorabaly Company
Promotions and Appointments
The council approved the promotion of 35 faculty members, including 15 full professors and 20 associate professors, alongside the appointment of 26 new lecturers. Additionally, the university awarded 66 doctoral degrees and 82 master's degrees across various academic disciplines.
Honoring Creativity in Art and Design
The council honored Dr. Mona Ragab, a retired lecturer at the Faculty of Fine Arts, for her artistic contributions, including murals that beautify the university campus and public spaces. Moreover, it recognized Mennatullah Mohamed Abbas, a teaching assistant, for her participation in creating a mural at the Faculty of Fine Arts.
Embracing Digital Knowledge
The university president emphasized the importance of utilizing the Egyptian Knowledge Bank, which provides extensive scientific and cultural resources for students and faculty members. He encouraged its integration into research and academic studies.
A Vision for Enhancing Alexandria University's Global Standing
These strategic decisions and achievements reflect Alexandria University’s commitment to expanding its global footprint, establishing distinguished academic partnerships, and advancing scientific research and infrastructure. These efforts reinforce the university’s position as a leading institution in the region and worldwide.