Prof. Mohamed Hussein, President of Tanta University, participated in the workshop organized by the Fulbright Commission entitled: “University Leadership Program Series 2026: From Idea to Ecosystem – Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer.” The event was attended by Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chairman of the Fulbright Commission in Egypt; Dr. Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister for Innovation and Scientific Research Affairs; Dr. Mostafa Rifaat, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Universities; Dr. Ayman Farid, Assistant Minister and Head of the Cultural Affairs and Missions Sector; Dr. Maggie Nasif, Executive Director of the Fulbright Commission in Egypt; as well as a distinguished group of Egyptian university presidents, council secretaries, and ministry leadership.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Prof. Ayman Ashour emphasized at the beginning of his speech that the Fulbright Program has served as a cultural and scientific bridge between the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America since its inception, functioning as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two peoples.

The Minister highlighted the commitment of the Ministry and Egyptian universities to strengthening academic and research collaboration with various educational and research institutions worldwide, and to supporting avenues of communication that open broader prospects for scientific and academic partnerships, serving the country’s priorities and contributing to the development of human capacities.

Prof. Ayman Ashour highlighted the Ministry’s and universities’ commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and innovation, considering them among the core principles of the National Strategy for Higher Education and Scientific Research, and emphasized their role in building bridges that connect scientific research with industry to strengthen the national economy.

On her part, Prof. Maggie Nassif highlighted the long-standing partnership between Egypt and the United States of America, including the Fulbright Program. She expressed her gratitude to Dr. Ayman Ashour for his vision in anticipating the future of higher education and his efforts to realize this vision. She also noted that the Fulbright Committee in Egypt is the only one in the world administered by a Minister of Higher Education in his own country, reflecting the high level of importance Egypt accords to the program.

She expressed her gratitude to the officials responsible for the program and for their contributions to its success, noting that this program is considered the oldest and largest in the Arab world. She pointed out that the authority offers a range of distinguished programs that are fully supported and funded, in addition to financing the training of students in emerging and innovative fields. It also provides programs for postgraduate studies and postdoctoral research in both academic and professional domains. Furthermore, the authority’s grants offer an excellent opportunity to engage faculty members in academic programs aimed at enhancing their administrative and organizational capabilities.

"Prof. Richard Joseph, a Fulbright expert, Senior Advisor at the Association of Governing Boards of Colleges and Universities, and former Academic President of Bryant University and Hult University, delivered a presentation entitled 'From Idea to Ecosystem: Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer.'"

He addressed the emphasis on the gap between academic research and the market, as well as the Ministry’s efforts to bridge this gap through the presidential initiative “Alliance and Development” and the researcher qualification program for entrepreneurial leadership (R2E), alongside fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. He also highlighted the critical role of universities by strengthening the functions of technology transfer offices, creating incentives for faculty members to innovate, enhancing partnerships with industry, and collaborating with various academic, research, and industrial institutions. He pointed out the importance of formulating a technology transfer strategy by focusing on labor market needs, directing activities toward the operational environment, striving to increase employment opportunities, engaging community members, and aligning strategic objectives with national priorities.

"At the conclusion of the workshop, fruitful discussions took place between university presidents, ministry leaders, and the expert regarding the content of the presentation he delivered, in order to benefit from it in supporting efforts to advance the educational and research system in Egypt."