Higher Education: The Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding Authority Announced the Opening of Applications for Joint Research Laboratories Between Egypt and China

The Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding Authority (STDF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China, announces the opening of applications for the first call of the program "Establishment of Joint Research Laboratories Between Egypt and China," aimed at enhancing long-term scientific and technological cooperation between research institutions in both countries.
Prof. Ayman Ashour, the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, confirmed that the program represents an important step towards solidifying scientific cooperation with China and contributes to building applied research laboratories that enhance the capabilities of Egyptian researchers and serve national priorities. Prof. Walaa Sheta, the Executive Director of the Science, Technology, and Innovation Funding Authority, indicated that the authority supports this ambitious program to establish advanced research infrastructure in partnership with China, emphasizing that the available funding provides a real opportunity for technology transfer and localization within Egypt. The program aims to establish three specialized laboratories in Egypt in partnership with leading Chinese institutions, creating joint research centers that serve scientists from both sides and contribute to supporting innovation and technology applications in the following areas:
1. Sustainable development technologies such as waste management, recycling, green energy, and low-carbon technology.
2. Poverty reduction through science and technology, such as smart agriculture.
3. Artificial intelligence and advanced robotics.
This program is one of the largest bilateral initiatives between Egypt and China in the field of scientific research, with each joint project receiving funding of up to 20 million Egyptian pounds from the authority, in addition to 3 million Chinese yuan from the Chinese side, for a period of up to three years.
Applications are limited to Egyptian government research entities, and each entity is allowed to submit only one proposal in each of the three fields. It is required to provide a suitable site and appropriate infrastructure for the laboratory, and the principal investigator must be Egyptian, hold a PhD, and be affiliated with a government research entity. A clear sustainability plan must also be submitted to ensure the laboratory's continuity for at least five years after the project ends. The deadline for receiving research proposals is Sunday, June 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM.
For more details on the application requirements and necessary documents, please visit the official website of the authority:
https://stdf.eg/web/grants/open