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

The fund aims to promote scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and Egypt. The quarterly report for FY 2016, Quarter 1, highlights key activities and progress made during this period. The U.S. review process for Cycle 17's collaborative proposals was completed, with NAS and STDF exchanging review forms and scores. Planning efforts continued for the meeting of the U.S.-Egypt Joint Board and the approval of Cycle 17 proposals for funding. Multiple Skype discussions were held with STDF to discuss the status of the Cycle 17 review process and possible changes in the Cycle 18 Request for Application (RFA). Implementation of program activities involved NAS staff comparing Egyptian and U.S. review scores and comments as they became available. Discussions were also held with USAID, the Department of State's Office of Science and Technology Cooperation (OES/STC), and STDF regarding possible dates for the meeting of the U.S.-Egypt Joint Board and the approval of Cycle 17 proposals for funding. Additionally, NAS staff began planning for a Joint Fund alumni initiative, considering alumni's possible roles in outreach, assessment, and proposal review. Administrative tasks included submitting the Year 1 annual report to USAID and uploading it onto the DEC website on November 24th. The Joint Fund's website was also updated with the names of the Joint Board's U.S. members in December. Plans for the next quarter include continuing the planning process for the joint selection meeting, discussing steps forward for Cycle 17 and possible updates for the Cycle 18 RFA, and coordinating with USAID to plan efforts for a Joint Fund alumni initiative. The geographic focus of the U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund is Egypt, with the aim of promoting scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and Egypt. The timeframes for the report are FY 2016, Quarter 1, with plans for future quarters outlined in the report. Recommendations for future activities include continuing the planning process for the joint selection meeting and coordinating with USAID to plan efforts for a Joint Fund alumni initiative.