The National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences Receives a Delegation from the Faculty of Computers and Information at Zagazig University to Discuss Strengthening Joint Cooperation

As part of efforts to strengthen cooperation and integration between academic and research institutions, the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS) received a delegation from the Faculty of Computers and Information at Zagazig University to discuss prospects for scientific and academic cooperation between the two sides and explore new opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual interest. This comes in implementation of the directives of Dr. Abdelaziz Qansoua, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Acting Minister of Culture, regarding the importance of supporting partnerships between universities, research centers, and research authorities.

 The delegation was received by Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Belal, Acting President of the National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences, who held an extensive meeting with the university delegation to discuss ways to enhance scientific, academic, and research cooperation between NARSS and Zagazig University and to leverage the specialized capabilities and expertise of both sides.

During the meeting, Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Belal discussed opportunities for future cooperation between the Authority and Zagazig University, including the possibility of signing a joint cooperation protocol that would contribute to supporting education and research, linking academic studies with practical applications, and providing training and capacity-building opportunities for students and researchers in the fields of information systems, geoinformatics, remote sensing, data analysis, and related emerging technologies.

 Prof. Dr. Abdelaziz Belal emphasized that the Authority attaches great importance to strengthening cooperation with Egyptian universities and opening new horizons for scientific and research partnerships. He noted the Authority's commitment to making its expertise and research and technological capabilities available to students and researchers, contributing to the development of qualified national cadres capable of keeping pace with rapid advances in remote sensing, space sciences, and data analysis.

He added that the Authority is keen to open its doors to students from Egyptian universities and introduce them firsthand to the latest scientific and research technologies and capabilities available at NARSS. This contributes to promoting scientific awareness, developing young people's skills, and strengthening the connection of new generations with national research and technological institutions.

 The two sides also discussed a number of proposals to activate cooperation during the coming period and benefit from their respective expertise in implementing research and training activities, supporting student and researcher projects, and enhancing cooperation in fields that integrate information technology, geoinformatics, remote sensing, and data analysis.

Dr. Ashraf Helmy, Head of the Data Analysis Division, highlighted the importance of integration between academic and research institutions in supporting efforts to advance the educational and research system. He affirmed the Authority's commitment to utilizing its scientific capabilities and expertise to support Egyptian universities and contribute to preparing students for practical applications and modern technological fields.

The Zagazig University delegation included Dr. Amal Farouk, Dean of the Faculty of Computers and Information; Dr. Manal Shalaby, Head of the Department of Social Sciences and Research at the Faculty of Asian Graduate Studies; and Dr. Safa El-Saeed Mohamed, Lecturer of Information Systems and Coordinator of the Medical Informatics Program and Professional Master's Program, along with a number of teaching assistants from the Information Systems and Geoinformatics Departments and a group of fourth-year students enrolled in the Geoinformatics Program.

The visit was held under the auspices of Dr. Khaled El-Drandly, President of Zagazig University, and Dr. Helal Afifi, Vice President of the University for Education and Student Affairs.

The visit program included an introductory presentation on the Authority, its scientific and research divisions, and its key services and capabilities, as well as examples of cooperation protocols signed with universities and scientific and research institutions.

The delegation also conducted a field tour of several NARSS divisions, where they met with division heads and research staff. The tour included a visit to the Virtual Reality (VR) Laboratory, where the delegation learned about its capabilities and modern applications in remote sensing and space sciences.

The meeting and visit program were attended by several NARSS staff members, including Mr. Ayman Shabana and Dr. Ghada Atta, Head of the Training Division, as well as a number of researchers and specialists at the Authority.