Awareness and Capacity Building

The Office of Research Projects, Grants, and International Relations (GICO) plays a vital role in promoting a culture of research and innovation by organizing awareness programs focused on funding opportunities, donor requirements, and international cooperation mechanisms. The office also develops guidelines and training workshops to support researchers in preparing strong proposals that meet donor standards and increase acceptance rates.

Moreover, GICO invests in the capacity building of its own team, offering specialized training tailored to each member’s role, thereby enhancing the office’s effectiveness in supporting the research community. Participation in international workshops and donor-led programs is also a key objective to ensure alignment with global best practices.

Partnerships and International Collaboration

The office is dedicated to establishing strategic partnerships with local and international universities and research institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and collaborative projects. Initial steps have already been taken with institutions such as the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology (E-JUST) and Alamein University to activate joint initiatives that bring mutual benefits.

Impact and Achievements

GICO’s efforts are reflected in multiple activities, including awareness events, the signing of cooperation agreements, and field visits to factories and industrial institutions. These initiatives have led to a growing interest among researchers in patenting their innovations prior to publication and exploring startup creation based on their research outputs.

The geographic location of the City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications further amplifies this impact, as it is situated within the Borg El-Arab industrial zone—home to over 40% of Egypt’s industries—while remaining close to New Alamein City, Alexandria Port, Borg El-Arab International Airport, and surrounded by major academic and research institutions.