Academy of Scientific Research and Technology has launched a new initiative to develop basic sciences in Egypt.
Basic research is the basis, and true entry point, for innovation, applied research, emerging technologies, and future science. Engaging in artificial intelligence, big data processing, space, and the genetics revolution cannot be achieved without a robust building in mathematics, physics, astronomy, geology, and biology.
The ScienceUP initiative comes within the framework of the Egyptian state’s interest in basic science, and within the implementation of the Ministry’s science, technology and innovation strategy 2030. This strategy included refining and stimulating the legislative environment supporting scientific research, linking scientific research with industry and with the needs of society, and directing Egyptian missions to serve the goals of Egypt’s vision for development.
The initiative will give utmost importance in its first stage to developing research laboratories in the departments of colleges of science. It will provide research grants and visiting fellowships in the fields of mathematics and theoretical physics to build a strong scientific base. And it will support women working in the fields of science, as well as programs to incubate the geniuses in science and mathematics in cooperation with practical colleges.
It is worth noting that Egypt ranked 35th in the world in the scientific publishing index in 2018 according to the SCIMAGO index. The results have shown Egypt’s progress in several fields, ranking 22nd in chemistry. It ranked 27th in biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology, 35th in physics and astronomy and 43th in mathematics.
The initiative will include:
- Science Up talent incubators
- Women Up technology incubators
- Women Up annual conference: women in STEM
- Science Up short visit fellowships for up-to three months
- Science Up grants in physics and mathematics
- Science Up capacity building, which will include grants for development and renovation of laboratories in faculties of sciences and establishment of strong infrastructure in cloud computing and data processing through a network that connects different institutes working these areas.
Call is open for phase I of the initiative, which has two components:
- Capacity building and support development of infrastructure in research laboratories inside faculties of sciences across the country.
- Providing research grants in mathematics and physics.
