American, Egyptian scientists collaborate on 15 health, energy projects

CAIRO - 25 April 2017: The Board of Directors of the U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund approved 15 joint projects in the fields of agriculture, energy, health and water during their meeting in Cairo on April 23. The board also agreed to continue to dedicate a portion of its funding to innovation-related activities.

The two-day meeting continued a long tradition of U.S.-Egypt cooperation on high-impact research between Egyptian and American scientists.

The Joint Fund has provided grants for more than 500 collaborative projects involving Egyptian and U.S. scientists in a wide variety of fields, including agriculture, engineering, health, renewable energy and water.

Targeting areas that help promote health and prosperity, recent research funded by grant money from the group has contributed to vaccines for the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus, developed highly efficient solar cells and improved wheat and citrus production while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. The Joint Fund also continues to increase the role of science, innovation and technology commercialization in promoting economic growth, they say.

“The U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund is a superb example of the way bilateral cooperation can help make the world a healthier place for all of us,” American Ambassador to Egypt Robert S. Beecroft said in a press release. “Since 1995, the Joint Fund has promoted science collaboration to address development challenges and promote economic growth. It has a direct and positive impact on people’s lives.”

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Jonathan Margolis led the U.S. delegation at the Joint Fund board meeting. The delegation included board members from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Science Foundation.