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

The program aims to promote scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries through research and development projects. The joint fund is administered by the National Academy of Sciences, which is responsible for managing the program's activities and ensuring its effective implementation. The program's governance structure includes a joint board comprising representatives from both countries, which meets regularly to review progress and make key decisions. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2016, the joint board met to discuss and approve proposals for funding. A total of 15 collaborative research projects and 10 junior scientist applications were approved for funding. The meeting also provided an opportunity for the joint board to review progress and discuss future plans. The implementation of Cycle 17's U.S. sub-awards was a key focus area during the quarter. The National Academy of Sciences sent sub-award documents to the institutions of all 15 U.S. collaborative principal investigators, and preparations were made for the launch of Cycle 18. The Cycle 18 Request for Application (RFA) was drafted, and a unified review form was developed to ensure consistency in the evaluation process. The program's website was updated to feature the list of funded projects, and the selected U.S. principal investigators were contacted to request completion of necessary documents. The National Academy of Sciences also began the process of disbursing first-year payments to the selected U.S. principal investigators. Looking ahead to the next quarter, the program plans to finalize the Cycle 18 RFA documents and launch the application process. The Cycle 18 junior and collaborative RFA application webpage is scheduled to open on July 27th, with a planned closing date of September 27th. The National Academy of Sciences will also continue to implement the Cycle 17 U.S. sub-awards and submit the Year 3 workplan to USAID by August 30th. The joint fund's activities are focused on promoting scientific and technological cooperation between the United States and Egypt. The program's efforts aim to support research and development projects that address key challenges and opportunities in both countries. The joint board's approval of 15 collaborative research projects and 10 junior scientist applications demonstrates the program's commitment to supporting innovative research and development initiatives.