Benha University President: 'Horizon Europe is an Exceptional Opportunity to Transform Research Ideas into Impactful International Projects'

Under the auspices of prof. Abdel Aziz Konsowa, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, prof. Nasser El-Gizawy, President of Benha University, inaugurated a workshop on Horizon Europe. The event was held in cooperation with the European Cooperation Office for Research and Innovation at the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the National Erasmus Office in Egypt, as part of the Ministry's strategy to strengthen international collaboration and advance the globalization of the research system.
The workshop was attended by prof. Gehan Abdel Hady, Vice President of Benha University for Postgraduate Studies and Research; prof. Taha Ashour, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Dr. Manal Mostafa, Vice President of Damanhour University for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Dr. Zeinab El-Sadr, Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office; Dr. Nermeen Desouky, Executive Director of the European Cooperation Office for Research and Innovation; Dr. Amr Radwan, EU Technical Assistance Consultant at the Ministry; along with faculty deans, professors, and researchers from various Egyptian universities.
Prof. El-Gizawy affirmed that Horizon Europe represents a unique opportunity for researchers and faculty members to engage in international research networks, build partnerships with leading universities, research centers, and institutions worldwide, and benefit from the program's funding opportunities for research ideas and projects with tangible scientific and practical impact. He explained that scientific research is no longer limited to producing knowledge and publishing papers; true success now lies in the ability to transform ideas and findings into innovative solutions and influential projects that address developmental challenges, advance sustainable development goals, and serve society, industry, and the economy.
He further noted that Benha University possesses a distinguished pool of scientific expertise and research competencies across disciplines, along with many promising ideas that can be developed into international projects with real impact. He added that active participation in international programs and projects benefits not only individual researchers but also enhances the university's global standing, supports its international ranking, builds the capacities of young researchers, and fosters a more advanced environment for innovation, knowledge transfer, and technology exchange.
Prof. Gehan Abdel Hady highlighted the university's strong commitment to openness to the global academic community, strengthening international cooperation, and encouraging faculty and researchers to actively participate in global research projects and international publishing. During the workshop, she urged all faculty members, researchers, and assistants to take advantage of the academic and research exchange opportunities offered through the EU's Erasmus program, which enables building partnerships, consolidating scientific cooperation, and engaging in major European-funded projects.
Prof. Zeinab El-Sadr described the program as a genuine bridge for capacity building, skill development, and academic and professional growth. She emphasized that it opens new horizons for student exchange, faculty mobility, and joint research projects that elevate Egyptian institutions to international competitiveness. She reaffirmed the Ministry's support for scholarship and exchange programs such as Erasmus, which aim to enhance university performance, provide fully funded joint master's programs, and strengthen international partnerships and research collaboration.
The workshop also addressed opportunities and mechanisms for leveraging Horizon Europe, supporting researchers in preparing proposals, and building international partnerships to expand the participation of Egyptian universities and researchers in global research projects.