What is the German Egyptian Year of Science & Technology 2007?
The German-Egyptian Year of Science & Technology 2007 is a bilateral initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Scientific, educational and technological institutions from both countries will be given the chance to promote a broader scientific exchange and research co-operation.

	Who gave the impulse for the German-Egyptian Year of Science 2007?
During the visit of Dr. Annette Schavan, German Federal Minister of Education and Research, to Egypt from June 6-8, 2006 the idea for the Year of Science became a concrete plan when the German Minister and her Egyptian counterpart Prof. Dr. Hany Helal agreed on the realisation of this idea.

Who are the organizers?

Responsible for the overall coordination of the science year is a small steering group which is headed by the MOHE on the Egyptian side and the BMBF on the German side. Members of the steering group for Egypt are: • Prof. Ahmed B. Khairy, First Undersecretary, MOHE • Prof. Aly El Shafeie, Assistant Minister for Technological Development, Ministry of State for Scientific Research • Prof. Maged Al-Sherbiny, Professor of Science - Cairo University • Prof. Dr. Galal El Din El Gemeie, Cultural Counsellor of the Egyptian Embassy in Berlin Members of the steering group on the German side are: • Dr. Ulrich Wahl, Head of Section, BMBF • Dr. Christian Manthey/International Bureau of the BMBF • Mr. Olaf Köndgen, Head of Section, DAAD Bonn • Dr. Christian Hülshörster, Director, DAAD Cairo Office • Ms. Karina Häuslmeier, Head of Cultural Affairs Department, German Embassy Cairo The DAAD will be responsible on the German side for the handling of daily affairs. Project Co-ordinators have been appointed in the Cairo Office as well as in Bonn.

	Who are the main partners of the Year of Science 2007?
German institutions: Goethe-Institute Cairo, AHK Cairo (German-Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce), DAI Cairo (German Institute of Archaeology), GUC (German University Cairo) Egyptian institutions: Cairo University, ASRT Cairo (Academy of Science, Research and Technology), NRC Cairo (National Research Center)

What are the main goals of the German-Egyptian Year of Science & Technology 2007?

The objective of the Year of Science is to strengthen the scientific cooperation between Egypt and Germany and to provide a wide range of specialists with the opportunity for scientific exchange. The organizers of the Year of Science strive to emphasise the priority of science and research and to point out the scientific potential in Egypt, as well as the need for exchange between the two countries. The aim is to build up and expand networks between Egyptian and German scientists, not only for the Year of Science, but to keep them functioning in the long run.

	When does the German-Egyptian Year of Science 2007 start?
The Year of Science will start in January 2007. An official opening event will take place on January 15, 2007 in Egypt and in spring 2007 in Germany.

What happens during the German-Egyptian Year of Science 2007?

The German-Egyptian Year of Science 2007 will focus on 6 main topics: Biotechnology, Medicine, Material Sciences, Renewable Energies, Social Sciences and Water. Under these topics numerous projects and events are going to take place in Egypt and Germany. The majority of events will comprise conferences and workshops. 2-3 large events with VIP presence and special activities will represent the “highlight events” within the Science Year. Besides the events which are based on one of the 6 specialist topics, a variety of programs contributed by the broader scientific community will be brought under the umbrella of the Science Year. Other projects, like the Young Scientists Programme, intended to provide funding for teams of young researchers, form another important contribution.

My institution is working in one of the 6 specialist fields represented in the Year of Science. How can I participate in the events?

If you would like to participate within one of the 6 special topics, please contact the responsible coordinator according to your scientific field in order to discuss possibilities of participation. If you would like to contribute with an event which does not belong under one of the 6 Topics please fill in the “application form” with detailed information on your event. You will then be informed whether or not your event can use the logo of the Science Year. Please understand that this procedure is necessary in order to ensure quality.

	What are the possibilities of sponsoring the Year of Science?
There are three different ways of sponsoring the Year of Science. For detailed information on sponsoring packages please check our Sponsoring Opportunities page or contact the project co-ordinator.

	I would like to use the logo of the Science Year for my own event. Is that possible?
The logo of the Year of Science can only be used after is has been confirmed by the organizers that your event will be part of the Science Year. Please contact us using the application form provided on our webpage. As soon as you have received our (positive) reply, you may download the logo from the website.

	I would like to carry out a scientific project. Where can I get financial support?
Financial support from the special bilateral funds provided for the Science Year will only be available for the networks, respectively the nominated co-ordinators. Our website lists a number of regular support programs from different organisations from both countries; please check these pages carefully.

	I am interested in the Year of Science, but I am not an expert in one of the fields. Can I visit the events?
A good number of events are designed for the general public, not for experts. Please check the project description on our webpage (“target group”).

	Do I have to register for the events in advance?
Yes, a majority of events (especially scientific conferences and workshops) will require pre-registration. Check the project description (“registration”) on our webpage for details.

	Where can I get further information?
The most important source of information is the webpage, which will be up-dated on a daily base. You may also want to subscribe to our electronic newsletter, which will keep you up-to-date on ongoing and future events.