USAID launches 3 Centres of Excellence to build links between Egyptian, US universities

These centres have been created to foster high-quality applied research and build relationships among the education community, the private sector, and policymakers.

Each Centre of Excellence will focus on one of three key sectors – agriculture, energy, and water – to share best practices, conduct joint research, and serve as the hub of a network of experts working and researching in that sector.

• Cornell University in New York and Cairo University are creating a Centre of Excellence in Agriculture,
• The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Ain Shams University are establishing a Centre of Excellence in Energy, and
• The American University in Cairo and Alexandria University are developing a Centre of Excellence in Water.

Other US and Egyptian universities will participate in the initiative, bringing a vast network of institutions and experts to bear on these important issues. Participating Egyptian universities include Benha University, Suez Canal University, Assiut University, Mansoura University, Aswan University, Zagazig University, and Beni Suef University.

At the launch event at Ain Shams University, Green explained the importance of this US investment in Egypt’s future. He said, "These Centres of Excellence will not only help facilitate solutions to some of Egypt’s most pressing agriculture, energy, and water challenges but also position the country to be a regional and global leader in the knowledge economy. Ideas generated through collaboration at these Centres of Excellence may be the spark that ignites the next big technological development, spurring new industries and prosperity across Egypt."