Presidents of Cairo Univ., Leiden Univ. discuss cooperation in research field

CAIRO - 29 April 2026: President of Cairo University Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel-Sadek, received Wednesday a high-level delegation from Leiden University, headed by Dr. Luc Sels, at his office to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two universities in academic and research fields, as well as faculty and student exchange visits.

 

The meeting was attended by Dr. Marlene de Meyer, Director of the Netherlands-Flemish Institute in Cairo; Ms. Melissa Koops, Head of International Policy and Strategy; Mr. Hongwah Lam, Head of International Relations for Education and Student Affairs; and Dr. Heidi Bayoumi, Director of the International Cooperation Office at Cairo University.

 

The meeting addressed potential areas of cooperation, including the establishment of joint and dual degree programs in several disciplines, particularly archaeology and excavation, as well as collaboration on research projects through the Erasmus and Horizon agreements, and strengthening academic exchange between the two institutions.

 

In his address, Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel-Sadek welcomed the President of Leiden University and the accompanying delegation to Cairo University, highlighting the university's efforts in building high-quality partnerships with leading international universities.

 

These partnerships, he explained, are based on knowledge integration and the exchange of expertise, not merely traditional cooperation. He emphasized the university's commitment to diversifying its forms of international academic collaboration by organizing joint educational programs and summer and winter schools in various fields. This, he noted, contributes to enhancing cultural and scientific interaction among students and researchers from different nationalities.

 

 

Offering educational programs that meet international standards

 

The President of Cairo University affirmed the university's commitment to adopting an open vision aimed at offering educational programs that meet international standards and provide a multicultural environment.

 

This fosters opportunities for students to integrate into a global academic context. He pointed out that the collaboration with Leiden University represents a valuable addition to the university's international network, given the academic and research standing of both institutions. This opens up broad horizons for developing joint programs and impactful research projects. He also mentioned the possibility of organizing a "cultural day" between the two universities, providing an opportunity for direct interaction and the exchange of experiences and knowledge, and promoting the values ​​of dialogue and openness.

 

For his part, Dr. Dr. Luc Sels expressed his appreciation for Cairo University, emphasizing Leiden University's keenness to expand its cooperative relations, particularly in the fields of archaeology, medicine, and law, as well as in producing joint research projects and academic exchange. This reflects a genuine desire to build a partnership based on the exchange of knowledge and expertise, which will positively impact the quality of the educational process and the preparation of graduates with global skills.

 

At the conclusion of the meeting, commemorative shields and gifts were exchanged, and photographs were taken. The delegation also toured the Ahmed Lotfy El-Sayed Hall, the Grand Hall, and the Museum of the Faculty of Archaeology. The delegation also met with Dr. Mohsen Saleh, Dean of the Faculty of Archaeology, in the presence of several faculty members, to discuss future areas of cooperation between the two institutions.