Dr. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, emphasized the ministry’s special attention to supporting applied research projects that connect scientific research with industry, enhance innovation, and facilitate technology transfer. He highlighted that international cooperation is a fundamental pillar in developing the scientific research system and increasing the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy.

In this context, the Science, Technology and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) announced the opening of applications for the fourth research call of the Basic Sciences Program, aiming to stimulate scientific research in vital fields and build innovative research groups capable of addressing challenges, positively impacting the quality and impact of scientific research in Egypt.

The call includes funding the best research proposals up to 3 million Egyptian pounds per project in the fields of mathematics, chemistry, physics, and geology, for a duration of no less than two years and no more than three years. Proposals are competitively evaluated by specialized reviewers according to the authority’s regulations.

Dr. Walaa Sheta, CEO of STDF, explained that the authority continues to launch research calls aligned with the state’s priorities in science and technology, stressing that this call is an important opportunity to support distinguished researchers and encourage them to conduct qualitative research in basic sciences, contributing to enhancing the research system’s efficiency and Egypt’s scientific standing regionally and internationally. The deadline for proposals is November 17, 2025.

Meanwhile, STDF, in cooperation with Spain’s Industrial Technology Development Center (CDTI), continues to accept applications for the tenth call of the Egyptian-Spanish Technological Cooperation Program. The program aims to support and link scientific research with industry, encourage Egyptian researchers to apply their research outputs industrially to solve industrial problems, and enhance technological cooperation between the two parties in technology development, innovation, and technology transfer projects. This contributes to economic benefits for both countries and strengthens competitiveness in agriculture, water resource management, health, construction, renewable energy, environment, strategic industries, transport, tourism, and antiquities.

Dr. Walaa Sheta added that applicants must hold a PhD degree and be affiliated with an Egyptian research entity, in cooperation with an Egyptian industrial partner (companies or industrial entities) and a Spanish industrial partner. Accepted projects will receive funding up to 150,000 euros for the Egyptian side for up to two years. The deadline for proposals is December 3, 2025.