Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, received a delegation from the University of Exeter, headed by Dr. Lisa Roberts, President of the University.

The meeting followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish a pioneering campus for the University of Exeter in Egypt, the first of its kind in Africa for the UK's Russell Group of Universities.

The event was attended by Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt, Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Gareth Bayley, UK Ambassador to Egypt, Dr. Mostafa Refaat, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Universities, Mr. Mark Howard, Director of the British Council in Egypt, as well as representatives from the Russell Group of Universities and the University of Exeter.

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, Dr. Essam El-Kurdi, Executive Director of the Universities Support and Development Authority, and Dr. Lisa Roberts, President of the University of Exeter.

This partnership aims to establish a distinguished campus for the University of Exeter in Egypt, located in the heart of the international campus of Ain Shams University. This makes it the first university to establish this type of academic partnership in Africa among the Russell Group, which comprises 24 universities in the United Kingdom.

This partnership achieves several key advantages, including:

- Expanding access to education: Enabling students in Egypt and neighboring regions to enroll in programs offering globally recognized degrees.

- Supporting innovative research: Collaborative research initiatives will address pressing global challenges.

- Faculty and student exchange: Training faculty members, professional development, and mobility programs will foster knowledge exchange.

- Fostering university-industry partnerships: Enhancing collaboration between academia and industry sectors.

- Enriching academic experiences: Preparing graduates for the job market through programs designed to equip students with skills tailored to modern labor market demands.

- Cultural and academic exchange: Strengthening ties between the UK and Egypt while promoting cooperation on cultural, industrial, and academic levels.

The memorandum of understanding outlines the shared goals, including the development of the campus branch within the new Ain Shams University facility. This pioneering partnership marks a significant step forward in the University of Exeter’s mission to expand its global reach, foster innovation, and deliver world-class education and research.

It also reflects a joint commitment between the UK’s Russell Group of Universities and Ain Shams University to prepare future generations to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.

The meeting was attended from Ain Shams University by Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Omar El-Husseiny, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering; Prof. Nagwa Badr, Dean of the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences; Profe. Sherweit El-Ahmady, Director of the International Students Office; and Dr. Kamal Obaid, Director of the International Cooperation Office.

Following the meeting, the University President accompanied the delegation on a tour of Ain Shams University’s campus and Al-Zafaran Palace.