Dr. Abdelaziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, received Dr. Paul Marshall, Academic Vice President of the University of East London, at the Ministry’s headquarters in the New Administrative Capital, to discuss ways of enhancing joint academic and research cooperation and to review the executive steps for establishing a branch of the university in Egypt.
The meeting was attended on the Egyptian side by Dr. Essam El-Kurdi, President of Alamein International University and Acting Commissioner for the Authority for Supporting and Developing Universities, and Dr. Mohamed El-Sharkawy, Assistant Minister for Policies and Economic Affairs.
Representing the University of East London was Dr. Howaida Barakat, Director of Academic Partnerships in Egypt and the Middle East.
At the beginning of the meeting, the Minister emphasized the depth of bilateral relations between Egypt and the United Kingdom, highlighting the state's commitment to strengthening partnerships with prestigious international universities. He noted that such cooperation contributes to the development of the higher education and scientific research system and enhances the competitiveness of Egyptian universities in global rankings.
The meeting also addressed the progress made in implementing the project to establish a branch of the University of East London in Egypt.
The Minister stressed the importance of intensifying cooperation between Egyptian universities and their British counterparts in academic and research fields to maximize mutual benefits for both countries. He noted that British university branches in Egypt have had a tangible impact on the higher education system by providing high-quality education and internationally recognized degrees for Egyptian and international students, in addition to applying advanced standards in research, innovation, and academic excellence.
The discussions also emphasized the importance of maximizing the role of universities in supporting the national economy by linking research outputs to labor market and industrial needs.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s strategy to support the transformation of research into practical applications with economic returns, focusing on supporting young researchers, encouraging innovation, and advancing research toward practical implementation.
He also pointed to the state’s direction toward expanding the establishment of technology valleys, stressing the importance of cooperation with the university in supporting scientific research, particularly in the fields of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced computing, in line with the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and in support of the knowledge-based economy.
For his part, Dr. Paul Marshall expressed his pride in the strong relations with Egypt, praising the fruitful cooperation with Egyptian universities. He affirmed the university’s commitment to making its branch in Egypt a distinguished model reflecting the quality of British and European education, and contributing to preparing graduates capable of competing globally.
Dr. Paul Marshall also praised the numerous existing partnerships between the University of East London and several Egyptian universities, within the framework of coordination with the Supreme Council of Universities.
He further affirmed the university’s keenness to provide an educational experience that aligns with Egyptian and international academic standards, and to establish a cross-border education system that grants dual degrees and helps graduates acquire scientific and practical skills, enabling them to contribute effectively to development and economic growth.
