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

The program aims to promote scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) serves as the implementing agency for the joint fund, working closely with the Egyptian Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). During the reporting period, NASEM dedicated efforts to implement activities that support the joint fund project. This involved close coordination with STDF and regular meetings with USAID and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES/STC) to discuss programmatic planning and implementation of activities under this award. The primary focus of these activities included the launch of projects in Cycle 21, the peer review of proposals in Cycle 22, and recruitment efforts for Cycle 23. NASEM collaborated with 12 U.S. institutions that received funding for Cycle 21 Collaborative Research proposals. The collaborative effort involved the development and approval of an updated sub-award contract, along with relevant attachments, reporting templates, and guidelines. NASEM conducted individual kick-off calls with each U.S. Principal Investigator (PI) and relevant administrative staff to delve into funding details, regulations, and pertinent reporting requirements. The kick-off calls were scheduled via Zoom, and participants were asked to review and sign up for a meeting time using Doodle. The reporting instructions for Cycle 21 Collaborative Research projects were sent to the U.S. Principal Investigators via email. The instructions outlined the submission procedures for technical and financial reports, including quarterly reports, annual technical reports, and annual data collection information. The reports were to be submitted through Foundant, an online application portal used to submit project proposals. The Cycle 21 Collaborative Research projects involved interactions with Egyptian counterparts, with a total of 9 interactions reported during the reporting period. The research teams attended administrative meetings with their sponsors and engaged in discussions on project implementation and reporting requirements. The joint fund program has made significant progress in promoting scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and Egypt. The collaborative research initiatives have the potential to drive innovation and economic growth in both countries. The program's focus on building partnerships and fostering collaboration between U.S. and Egyptian researchers is expected to yield long-term benefits for the region. The joint fund program has also established a robust reporting and evaluation framework to ensure accountability and transparency. The program's reporting requirements are designed to capture key performance indicators and provide insights into the effectiveness of the joint fund initiatives. The joint fund program's success is contingent on the continued collaboration and cooperation between the U.S. and Egyptian governments, as well as the research institutions and stakeholders involved. The program's long-term sustainability and impact will depend on the ability to build on the progress made to date and to adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities in the region. The joint fund program's geographic focus is on Egypt, with a specific emphasis on promoting scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and Egypt. The program's timeframes are aligned with the federal fiscal year, with quarterly reports due in January, April, July, and October. The joint fund program's recommendations for the next quarter include continued collaboration with STDF and USAID to implement activities under this award. The program also recommends that NASEM continue to work closely with the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES/STC) to discuss programmatic planning and implementation of activities under this award. The joint fund program's implementation details are outlined in the program's quarterly report, which provides an update on the program's progress and achievements during the reporting period. The report also highlights the program's challenges and opportunities, as well as its plans for the next quarter.