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

The fund aims to promote scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and Egypt. In the second quarter of fiscal year 2016, discussions were held in Cairo to compare Egyptian and U.S. reviewer comments and prepare for the U.S.-Egypt S&T Joint Board meeting. Meetings were held with participants from the Egyptian Science and Technology Development Fund, NAS, USAID, and the Department of State to discuss preparations for the Joint Board meeting. The meetings also addressed possible changes in the Cycle 18 Request for Application (RFA). In addition, NAS and STDF began efforts to collaboratively draft a semi-annual and annual technical report form and discuss procedures for project monitoring. Throughout the quarter, NAS maintained contact with the Department of State, USAID, and STDF to discuss possible science policy workshop topics. In March, NAS provided USAID with a series of possible alumni initiative activities, as well as a draft alumni survey. The quarterly accrual was also submitted to USAID in March. The planning and follow-up processes for the Joint Board meeting will continue, with the meeting scheduled to be held at NAS's Washington, DC headquarters on April 6th. After the Joint Board approves the Cycle 17 projects, NAS will work to complete all administrative tasks necessary for the sub-awards to be sent to the relevant U.S. institutions. NAS and STDF will continue to discuss steps forward for Cycle 18, and NAS will continue discussions with relevant stakeholders to further plan for a possible science policy workshop and the Joint Fund Symposium in Cairo. The U.S.-Egypt Science and Technology Joint Fund has made significant progress in promoting scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and Egypt. The fund's collaborative efforts have led to the development of a semi-annual and annual technical report form, and discussions are ongoing to plan for a possible science policy workshop and the Joint Fund Symposium in Cairo. The fund's continued success will depend on the successful implementation of the Cycle 17 projects and the planning and follow-up processes for the Joint Board meeting.