Meeting in Cairo April 23-24, the Board of Directors of the U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund continued a long tradition of U.S.-Egypt cooperation on high-impact research between Egyptian and American scientists by approving 15 joint projects in the fields of agriculture, energy, health, and water. The board also agreed to continue to dedicate a portion of its funding toward innovation-related activities.

The Joint Fund has provided grants for more than 500 collaborative projects involving Egyptian and U.S. scientists in a wide variety of fields, including agriculture, engineering, health, renewable energy, and water. Targeting areas that help promote health and prosperity, recent research has contributed to vaccines for the H5N1 Avian Influenza virus, developed highly efficient solar cells, and improved wheat and citrus production while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. The Joint Fund also continues to increase the role of science, innovation, and technology commercialization in promoting economic growth.

“The U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund is a superb example of the way bilateral cooperation can help make the world a healthier place for all of us,” Ambassador Beecroft said. “Since 1995, the Joint Fund has promoted science collaboration to address development challenges and promote economic growth. It has a direct and positive impact on people’s lives.” 

Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Jonathan Margolis, led the U.S. delegation at the Joint Fund board meeting.  The delegation included board members from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Geological Survey, and the National Science Foundation.

For more information on the U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund and its activities, please see http://sites.nationalacademies.org/pga/egypt/index.htm or https://eg.usembassy.gov/education-culture/joint-science-technology-fund.