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18.06.2007

German-Egyptian Year of Science and Technology

The German-Egyptian Year of Science and Technology 2007 is a bilateral initiative of the German and the Egyptian Ministries of Higher Education and Research. Scientific, educational and technological institutions from both countries will be given the chance to promote a broader scientific exchange and research cooperation.

The agreement upon a German-Egyptian Year of Science and Technology was reached during the visit of Dr. Annette Schavan, German Federal Minister of Education and Research, to Egypt from June 6-8, 2006, with her Egyptian counterpart Prof. Dr. Hany Helal.

The motto of the Year is "Linking Scientific Masterminds". The objective of the Year of Science is to strengthen the scientific cooperation between Egypt and Germany and to provide a wide range of specialists with the opportunity for scientific exchange. The organizers of the Year of Science strive to emphasise the priority of science and research and to point out the scientific potential in Egypt, as well as the need for exchange between the two countries. The aim is to build up and expand networks between Egyptian and German scientists, not only for the Year of Science, but to keep them functioning in the long run.

At the core of the Year are six research networks in the following research areas:

Materials science: The first workshop of the group was held on lightweight construction, weld defects in MIG/MAG joints und semi-solid processing of high carbon steel
Water: a main topic of this group ist the "Integrated Water Resources Management", which will be discussed amongst other events in an application-oriented workshop on "Water and Wastewater Treatment"
Renewable energy: the work of this group is closely related to "water", as shown in the conference "Solar Thermal Power Plants and Desalination", as well as wind energy.
Biotechnology, the working groups aims to devise an applicable plan for standard and quality control in biochemical and molecular diagnosis of heritable disorders of sex development (DSD). This plan will serve as a nucleus for instituting efficient management protocols, screening programs and searching for diagnostic or therapeutic targets.
Investigate idiopathic cases for possible unknown genetic defects or issues of disturbed androgen biosynthesis or action in light of a European consortium for DSD, which is now structured for work in the European frame work programme. Initiate a consensus group for management of DSD with respect to legal, ethical, cultural, and religious issues
Health research: the groups works on diseases common in Egypt, such as infectious dieases, Hepatitis C and Leukemia. New forms of diagnosis and therapies are discussed as well as new research activities. Further workshops are on basic research such as "Radionuclides for Medical Applications" and "Liquid Cristal analog of Living Cells for Diagnostics and Treatment".
Arts and social sciences: The conference "Identity and Globalisation" in May 2007 analysed how societies are determined by their position to and reaction on global change. The short-term research project "Digital Consumer Culture" offers researchers from both countries ta chance for exchange on the resprective use of New Media.

Scientists from both countries will engage in conferences, workshops and other events to start new bilateral research projects.

The official opening event at the Cairo University was followed by the exhibition "Nobel! 100 years of the Nobel Prize", where the achievements of Nobel laureates over the last century were presented.