In response to the BA 2004 Research Grants announcement made by the CSSP, 311 researchers applied in the following research areas; Agricultural Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry & Biophysics, Earth Sciences, Information Technology, Mathematics, Medical Sciences, Physics & Astronomy, and Engineering Sciences & Technologies. These applications were short-listed to 211 applications, and then to 97.

Final selection was undertaken by an International Review Committee, headed by Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. It was based on the project objective, its clarity and originality, as well as the project design and budget.

The eight selected winners are:

	Ahmed Hassan Ghallab Engineering Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University)
	Amir Farouk Zeid Information Technology, Computer Science Department American University of Cairo)
	Ehab Mohamed El-Kassas Engineering Sciences and Technologies, Arab Academy for Science & Technology, Alexandria more..
	Mahmoud Mohamed Kamel Zeid Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria
	Mona Ahmed Hussein Agricultural Sciences, National Research Center, Cairo
	Omran AbdEllah Omran Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sohag
	Shymaa Mohamed Arafat Information Technology, Faculty of Computer Science, Cairo University
	Wael Nabil Morsi Hozien Biology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Sohag Branch

 

The Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP) organized a celebration on 11 January 2005 for the announcement of the 9 winning research projects of the BA Research Grants program that was initiated on February 2004.

Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, gave a lecture on Scientific Thinking, where he noted that we have been able to reach the explanations and the scientific theories taught in schools today due to the efforts made by the scientists throughout the previous centuries.

Dr. Mohamed El Faham, Director of CSSP, presented the Center’s aims, and how it endeavors to promote Egyptian science and research development.

He added that the Center aims to fund outstanding young postdoctoral scientists in Egypt, who perform cutting edge research across the science and technology spectrum. Also, the Center would like to promote scientific public awareness by devising a highly proactive science communications program comprising international conferences, meetings, lectures, workshops and exhibitions aimed at specialists and the general public. It also aims to encourage talented Egyptian school and university students, as well as increase the participation of the under-represented in science and technology, such as women and researchers in rural governorates.

The Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP), organized meetings, 23-24 March 2005, to discuss the technicalities pertaining to the research grants of the BA Research Grants program, as well as the initiation of the inaugural phase for six of the winning projects.

 

 

The meetings included the presentation and launch of the proposed projects by the winning projects’ representatives. Dr. Mohamed El Faham, Director of CSSP, presented the Center’s aims, how it endeavors to promote Egyptian science and research development, and how this initiative is a milestone for other Egyptian research funding agencies. He also explained to the grantees the grant procedures and regulations, and how the grant system works within BA.
During the meeting, the phases and technicalities of each project were discussed and reviewed by the Technical Committee members, comprising Professor Asser Zaki; CSSP Board Member, Professor Salah Soliman; CSSP Board Member and Dr. El Faham. The meetings also witnessed the signing of contracts by the Principal Researchers and Dr. El Faham, representing BA.