U.S.-Egypt Science & Technology Joint Fund II Quarterly Report

The program aims to promote scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and Egypt through collaborative research projects. During the reporting period, NASEM dedicated efforts to implement activities that support the US-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund project. This involved close coordination with STDF to monitor Cycle 21 funded projects, peer review proposals in Cycle 22, and administrative eligibility checks for Cycle 23. An important administrative and programmatic development during the reporting period was the confirmation of the Government of Egypt's ability to co-host the upcoming Joint Board meeting and Research Symposium from June 4th through June 6th, 2024. The collaborative efforts between Egyptian and U.S. research teams expanded during the reporting period, with over 77 distinct interactions facilitated by diverse communication channels. These interactions underscore the significance and vibrancy of their joint collaborative research endeavors, fostering robust exchange and progress. Project-specific updates for Cycle 21 included administrative accomplishments, meetings between the PI, Co-PI, and Egyptian research team, and the synthesis of precursors of some of the target compounds. Cycle 22 Collaborative Research Project Updates involved the selection process for top proposals, which is currently being finalized by NASEM. STDF concluded its peer review process by the end of January, while NAS completed its own in early February. Following the selection process, the top proposals will be discussed by the Joint Board in June in Cairo. Innovation Track Activities involved preparatory activities for the Joint Board Meeting and Symposium, which will be co-hosted by the Government of Egypt. The meeting and symposium will provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and collaboration between Egyptian and U.S. researchers. Financial Information from Q1 FY2024 indicates that NASEM has been working closely with USAID, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES/STC), and STDF to discuss programmatic planning and implementation of activities under this award. The status of these activities is detailed in the report. Plans for the Next Quarter include the continuation of collaborative research projects, the selection of top proposals for Cycle 22, and the administrative eligibility checks for Cycle 23. The Joint Board meeting and Research Symposium will also take place in June, providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and collaboration between Egyptian and U.S. researchers. Throughout the reporting period, NASEM hosted regular meetings with USAID, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES/STC), and STDF to discuss programmatic planning and implementation of activities under this award. The status of these activities is detailed in the report. The collaborative efforts between Egyptian and U.S. research teams expanded during the reporting period, with over 77 distinct interactions facilitated by diverse communication channels. These interactions underscore the significance and vibrancy of their joint collaborative research endeavors, fostering robust exchange and progress. Project-specific updates for Cycle 21 included administrative accomplishments, meetings between the PI, Co-PI, and Egyptian research team, and the synthesis of precursors of some of the target compounds. Project 76 reported administrative accomplishments, including postdoc hiring and subcontracting with the Co-PI institution. Project 97 constructed two variants of models on the 100 mm test rig, covering fluid film bearing models and linearization at arbitrary speed and AMB load. Plans for the Next Quarter include the continuation of collaborative research projects, the selection of top proposals for Cycle 22, and the administrative eligibility checks for Cycle 23. The Joint Board meeting and Research Symposium