The Ministry of State for Scientific Research in Egypt has embarked on an ambitious exercise since the beginning of 2006 to overhaul Science and Technology (S&T) activities in Egypt.  This includes the assessment of the current S&T infrastructure in Egypt, a review of S&T governance and management models in different countries, and a proposed restructuring plan.

To rejuvenate Science and Technology activities in Egypt, it is planned to announce the period 2007-2016 as a Decade for Science and Technology.  The purpose of this decade is to clearly extend the commitment of the Government to Science and Technology, and enhance scientific cooperation with scientifically advanced countries, and strengthen the Egyptian scientific and technological base.

In this regard, Egypt and Germany agreed to declare 2007 as the German-Egyptian Science and Technology Year.  It is planned such that the Year will start with a major Egyptian scientific event in Germany, and end with a major German scientific event in Egypt.  Six thematic areas have been identified: Biotechnology, New and Renewable Energy, Medical Sciences, Material Technology, Water, and Social Sciences.  A series of Workshops are planned, as well as visits and lectures to enhance networking between German and Egyptian scientists.  A series of cross-disciplinary activities are also planned. Funding of joint research activities between German and Egyptian scientists is planned to start in 2007, and extend beyond the Science and Technology Year.

Currently, Egypt is exploring the possibility of having a Japanese-Egyptian Science and Technology Year with Japan in 2008.  A similar model like the German year is proposed such that the year starts with an Egyptian scientific event in Japan, and ends with a Japanese scientific event in Egypt.  Six thematic areas for cooperation including: Mechatronics, Nanotechnology, Environment, Biotechnology, Information and Communication Technology, and New and Renewable Energy.  Networking and joint research activities should be planned in these 6 thematic areas.

The Japanese-Egyptian Science and Technology Year with Japan in 2008 will serve to strengthen the scientific ties between Egypt and Japan, improve scientific cooperation, encourage joint Egyptian-Japanese research activities, and provide a high visibility event for the public to bring the peoples of Egypt and Japan together.  Moreover, the Japanese-Egyptian Science and Technology Year with Japan in 2008 should be coupled with the Egyptian request to hold an STS regional forum in Sharm El-Sheikh in 2008, as a focal event for the Science and Technology Year.