Dr Carsten-Michael Walbiner, Director of the DAAD Regional Office in Cairo, opened the German Science Day 2024 by welcoming participants on behalf of the DAAD in Germany. He noted the event’s dual focus, stating, “The German Science Day is an event that tries to portray Germany mainly as a country of study,” and further added that this year they are also emphasising Germany’s growing need for skilled labor.

Following, H. E. Ambassador Frank Hartmann, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Egypt, highlighted the significance of the event as a vital platform for scientific and academic exchange between Egypt and Germany. He emphasised the role of the attendees, including scientists, academics, and experts, as the backbone of this collaboration, drawing attention to their contributions to universities, research institutions, and various academic fields. He further elaborated on the historical depth and ongoing strength of the German-Egyptian educational and scientific partnership. He noted the longstanding presence of German educational institutions in Egypt, dating back to 1960, and highlighted the long-lasting network of thousands of alumni from joint projects.

Prof. Dr Mustafa Refaat, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Universities, addressed the audience on behalf of his Excellency, Prof. Dr Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, highlighting the importance of the educational collaboration between Egypt and Germany. “Our world and global economy are in constant evolution, demanding new skills to keep pace,” he noted, emphasising the necessity of international partnerships and bilateral agreements. He also praised the German University in Cairo (GUC) and the German International University (GIU) for their active roles in promoting science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship among students, reflecting the quality and significance of higher education institutions involved in these collaborations. Nermine Abdelaty, Coordinator of the COSIMENA Project at DAAD Regional Office Cairo, provided an overview of the German Science Day 2024 and its enriching activities stated in the programme.

Commencing the event with Block 1 panel discussion “International Talents: Opportunities and Challenges of Winning Skilled Professionals for Germany,” Dr Carsten-Michael Walbiner highlighted Germany’s opportunities for academics and non-academics, focusing on core academics. He noted the strong Egypt-Germany exchange, citing many academic visas as evidence. Dr Walbiner mentioned the Goethe-Institut’s local preparatory events helping Egyptian students adapt to German standards and emphasised the support of the Philipps-Universität Marburg for integrating refugee students into Germany’s academic and professional landscape.

Thore Neumann, representing the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Egypt in the panel discussion, stressed on the benefits of international careers for both sending and receiving countries. He illustrated that skilled professionals abroad act as ambassadors, strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing professional resilience. Neumann noted the strong historical ties between Egypt and Germany, especially in education and professional exchanges, with around 2,600 student visas issued annually, making Germany a top destination for Egyptian students. These interactions enhance cross-cultural learning and economic benefits for both nations. Commenting on Neumann’s speech, Dr Walbiner referred to the Egyptian government’s positive view on labour migration, viewing it as “brain circulation” rather than a brain drain. In this regard, he highlighted a recent agreement between Egypt and the European Union that includes provisions on labour migration.

Dina Radwan, from Goethe-Institut Cairo, discussed the institute’s crucial role in preparing skilled professionals and workers for living and working in Germany. She elaborated on the institute’s initiatives, including language courses and intercultural training, aimed at bridging the gap and facilitating successful integration. Yasmin Fauzy, from the German-Arab Chamber of Industry & Commerce (AHK), expressed gratitude and illustrated the organisation’s role in facilitating skilled labor migration to Germany. Fauzy elaborated on the AHK’s projects, particularly highlighting the Pro-Recognition initiative, which offers migration consultation services to individuals from various occupations.

Yara Elkorety representing the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ Egypt) outlined GIZ’s efforts in supporting Egyptian migrants, collaborating with the German and Egyptian governments on migration issues. Elkorety showcased comprehensive support, including language courses and qualification recognition, for those seeking opportunities in Germany. Furthermore, Pia Schoengarth from Philipps-Universität Marburg expressed gratitude and pledged support for students and researchers interested in academic pursuits in Germany. Schoengarth emphasised the significance of utilizing available resources and seeking personal initiative in navigating academic pathways. During the Q & A session following the panel discussion, attendees focused on inquiring about practical steps and resources for studying and working in Germany. Discussions revolved around linguistic and cultural integration, the demand for various professions, and the value of intercultural training for societal integration.

In block 2, “The DAAD & its Contribution to Scientific Collaboration,” Dr Carsten-Michael Walbiner highlighted the DAAD’s crucial role in promoting scientific collaboration between Germany and the Middle East. Moreover, he pointed to the organisation’s extensive network and support, including programs like Clusters of Scientific Innovation in the Middle East and North Africa, abbreviated ‘COSIMENA’, facilitating network development between the scientific community of the MENA region and Germany.

Heba Ahmed, from the DAAD Regional Office in Cairo, elaborated on the organisation’s diverse funding mechanisms, including individual scholarships and service-free programs for research projects. She discussed various PhD pathways and introduced a re-invitation program for DAAD alumni in Egypt and Sudan, enabling research projects in Germany. During the Q&A session, strategies for engaging with German universities, researchers, and companies were discussed. One of them is finding suitable partners sharing the same interests and demonstrating value to the German side to ensure successful collaborations.

Dr Mona El Tobgui from the National Research Centre delivered a valuable Soft Skills Mini Module, offering insights into successfully reaching out to German professors or supervisors. Highlighting the necessity of thorough preparation, she stressed the importance of understanding one’s interests and goals, as well as those of potential collaborators. Networking was portrayed as a business effort, requiring professionalism and humility in communication. Practical advice encompassed crafting attention-grabbing email subject lines, using university email addresses, and maintaining concise yet enthusiastic communication. Dr El Tobgui also pointed to the significance of follow-up and provided tips for nurturing professional relationships effectively.

Transitioning to the enriching part of the day, the main room was divided into three breakout rooms, where attendees participated in a wide range of discussions spanning three parallel rooms, each hosting five sessions. These sessions explored diverse topics, including academic insights, research opportunities, cultural exchanges, and professional development.

In Room A, Prof. Dr Sherine Rady at Ain Shams University and a DAAD alumna, commenced with reflections on her two journeys to Germany, 18 years apart. She observed efficient time management and emphasised resource utilisation like libraries in her 2005 visit. During her recent trip, she noted a shift towards remote work and digital services. Despite a shorter stay, she encourages integration with local communities and underscores international scholars’ role as ambassadors. She shared anecdotes of providing support to others, stressing leaving a positive impression. In addition, she highlighted postdoctoral study opportunities and proactive engagement.

Transitioning to Hoda El Mahgoub’s presentation on pursuing PhD or Postdoc at Freie Universitat Berlin showcased available resources and opportunities, including funding and job postings. She stressed effective networking among the faculty and fellow students, urging the exploration of diverse research topics and highlighting the university’s commitment to supporting researchers. Moving on to Prof. Dr Isabelle Ruhnke’s discussion on challenges in egg production at Freie Universitat Berlin, she focuses on technology’s application in monitoring bird behavior and data processing. Emphasising collaboration with farmers, she highlighted government regulations’ impact on industry practices and addresses disease management and biosecurity measures, noting differences between countries like Germany and Egypt.

Transitioning to Suzan Scheffen’s mini soft skills module on intercultural competence, she presented Egyptian and German cultures’ values. Emphasising respect for cultural differences and adaptability when living abroad, she highlighted the importance of intercultural competence in the current Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity (VUCA) world for effective communication and peaceful coexistence.

Finally, Dr Christoph Lange from the University of Cologne explored Environmental Humanities’ intersection with environmental studies. Discussing multidisciplinary approaches and projects addressing climate change, he stressed the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration and critical thinking. Highlighting initiatives promoting multi-species conviviality and aligning with UNESCO’s Bridges Coalition’s transdisciplinary approach, he stressed the integration of diverse knowledge systems for innovative solutions to social and environmental challenges.

While in Room B, a diverse array of speakers sharing valuable insights on topics ranging from teamwork and academic opportunities to cultural data studies and personal experiences in Germany was featured. Suzan Scheffen, a trainer, initiated the session with a discussion on teamwork and team spirit, emphasising human adaptability amidst today’s complexities, especially in the wake of events like the coronavirus pandemic. She differentiated between teamwork and team spirit, highlighting the latter’s role in encouraging motivation and productivity. Scheffen also addressed challenges in diverse teams and the growing importance of soft skills like teamwork in today’s workforce. Elaborating on academic opportunities in Germany, Dr Mervat Abdelalim at Helwan University and a DAAD alumna discussed the transformative experience of studying abroad, particularly in Germany. Highlighting the support provided by German universities and the personal development aspects of the education system, she emphasised the value of international education and its impact on students’ skills and perspectives.

Representing Philipps-Universität Marburg, Irene El-Khorazaty outlined opportunities for pursuing PhD or postdoc positions at the university, pointing to the comprehensive support services, including visa assistance and career guidance, and introduced scholarship options and alternative routes for researchers. Prof. Dr Aline Deicke from Philipps-Universität Marburg & Academy of Sciences and Literature, Mainz,  described the interdisciplinary field of cultural data studies within digital humanities. Introducing the concept and programs available at Philipps-Universität Marburg, she highlighted projects demonstrating the intersection of humanities and digital technologies.

Dr Sarah Fahmy at Ain Shams University and a DAAD alumna, shared her transformative academic journey in Germany, emphasising the impact of intercultural exposure and the supportive research environment. She praised Germany’s cultural richness and encouraged international exchange for building adaptable global citizens. Concluding the session, Dr Emad Hashish at Zagazig University and a DAAD alumnus, shared insights and recommendations based on his experiences in Germany. From housing advice to exploring notable landmarks and appreciating Germany’s efficient transportation system, Dr Hashish highlighted the country’s cultural and academic appeal.

Room C was filled with insightful presentations covering a wide range of topics, from Artificial Intelligence in Education to international collaboration opportunities and effective proposal writing. Dr John Bai from Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg kicked off the session with a scientific talk on recent trends and competing visions in Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd). He discussed the complexities of Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, highlighting their probabilistic nature in text generation. Dr Bai also showcased critical perspectives on LLMs, suggesting that while they can be used as tools for expressing ideas, human creativity and insight are irreplaceable in the research process. Dr Anne Clausen, also from Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, focused on enabling research mobility and international collaboration opportunities at the university. She highlighted the support services available to international researchers, including visa assistance and scholarship options, encouraging researchers to explore these avenues for career development.

Eva Portius, representing Forschungszentrum Jülich (Research Centre Juelich), provided an overview of the institution’s interdisciplinary research focus and its role in addressing societal challenges. She emphasised their commitment to research with practical implications for society and the environment, highlighting its modern research infrastructure and collaboration with renowned universities across Germany. Assoc. Prof Ebaa El-Hossary from the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority & National Centre for Radiation Research and Technology, and a representative of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, discussed their support programs for aspiring researchers based on academic excellence. He also outlined fellowship opportunities and the application process, showcasing the foundation’s dedication to encouraging international collaboration and academic excellence.

Dr Karim Zafer, from the University of Cologne, presented an overview of the university, mentioning its comprehensive academic offerings and cutting-edge research in various fields. Moreover, he highlighted the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and collaboration, positioning it as a hub for innovative ideas and academic excellence. Concluding the session, Prof. Dr Mohamed El-Fouly from the National Research Centre shared valuable insights into effective proposal writing. He stressed the importance of clear communication, precise objectives, and a well-structured narrative in conveying the significance and impact of research projects, aiming to equip researchers with the skills needed for the success and internationalization of their research activities.

On the sidelines of the event, Prof Niveen Shawrawi mentioned that she attended the event for the first time to explore research opportunities and scholarships, which are crucial for guiding her students. Meanwhile, having relocated due to the civil war, Arij Behkeet, a Sudanese participant and DAAD alumnus, sought knowledge in climate change and networking in order to discover the feasibility of participation in exchange opportunities. . Additionally, Asmaa Hamdy, a research assistant, aimed to learn and network, aspiring to become an alumna. On the other hand, Prof Sobhy Ahmed Abo Elnaga stated that he joined the event to exchange ideas with German universities.

In an interview, Yasmin Fauzy from the German-Arab Chamber of Industry & Commerce (AHK) highlighted Egyptians’ adaptability in job opportunities in Germany, focusing on nursing and Information Technology (IT). Furthermore, Pia Schoengarth from Philipps-Universität Marburg found conversations with young scholars inspiring, emphasising the importance of understanding doctoral paths.s Finally, Dr Mona El Tobgui discussed Artificial Intelligence’s limitations in understanding emotions, emphasising the necessity of human input.

In this context, seven Information booths with representatives from German Universities and Research institutions operated continuously throughout the day alongside other activities. For instance, the booths of University of Cologne, Philipps Universität Marburg, Freie Universität Berlin, Forschungszentrum Jülich (Research Centre Juelich), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the DAAD Regional Office Cairo offered guidance and informational counseling to prospective applicants. Hoda El Mahgoub, the representative of Freie Universität Berlin in Cairo, disseminated information about the available programs and admission requirements. Furthermore, one-to-one counselling meetings with a German professor have provided personalized guidance and answers to questions posed by potential candidates who seek to pursue part of their academic career in Germany.

In conclusion, the German Science Day 2024 at the Conrad Cairo Hotel has successfully highlighted the pivotal role of international cooperation in education and research between Egypt and Germany. The event, organised by the DAAD Regional Office Cairo, in the framework of the COSIMENA project, brought together a diverse group of students, scholars, and experts, presenting opportunities for academic exchange and skilled labor migration. Through engaging discussions, insightful presentations, and interactive sessions, participants gained valuable knowledge on navigating educational pathways and promoting professional resilience. In other words, the event highlighted the importance of intercultural competence and effective communication, reinforcing the longstanding and dynamic partnership between the two countries. As attendees left with renewed inspiration and guidance, the German Science Day 2024 set a strong foundation for future collaborations, driving innovation and excellence in global scientific and academic endeavors.