As part of the Faculty of Engineering’s commitment to supporting academic staff and encouraging them to apply for funded research projects, a broad meeting was held on Monday, November 3, 2025, with faculty members from various departments. The meeting was attended by Prof. Sherif Massoud El-Badawy, Dean of the Faculty, and Prof. Ibrahim Lotfi El-kalla, Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research, to discuss the application mechanisms for the Excellence in Applied Sciences and Innovation Program (ASPIRE – Egypt), affiliated with the Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF).

During the meeting, Dr. Mostafa Ahmed El-Bahloul, Director of the Scientific Research Support Unit, presented an overview of the program, which included:
1. The available funding amount for each application track (academic track and academic–industrial track).
2. The application requirements and the required levels of technological readiness (TRL).
3. The priority research areas targeted by the program, including renewable energy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced materials, health, water, precision agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of the program in promoting innovation and applied research, and its role in strengthening cooperation between universities and the industrial sector in line with Egypt’s Vision 2030 for achieving sustainable development and building a knowledge-based economy.

This meeting was held on the sidelines of the Faculty’s Scientific Research Support Unit Board meeting, which took place in the Al- Rowad Hall at the administrative building. The board emphasized the Unit’s continued efforts to organize introductory sessions and workshops to support researchers and encourage them to benefit from various funding programs offered by STDF.