Opening of the Fifth Postgraduate Students Conference in Applied Sciences at Benha University

El-Gizawy: Transforming Knowledge into Added Value that Serves Society and Contributes to Sustainable Development

Gehan Abdelhady: The Conference Provides a Valuable Platform for Strengthening Interdisciplinary Scientific Collaboration

Prof. Dr. Nasser El-Gizawy, President of Benha University, inaugurated the Fifth Postgraduate Students Conference in Applied Sciences, held under the theme "Applied Sciences for a Smart, Healthy, and Sustainable Future." The conference is organized by the University's Sector of Postgraduate Studies and Research and takes place from May 5–6 at Dr. Hossam El-Attar Hall on the University's Obour Campus.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Gehan Abdelhady, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research and Chair of the Conference; Prof. Dr. Taha Ashour, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; deans and vice deans of the University's faculties; assistant secretaries; and delegations from universities in China, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen, in addition to representatives from various universities, research centers, and educational institutions.

The conference featured keynote lectures by Prof. Dr. Maged Ismail, Executive Director of the Egyptian Space Agency; Prof. Dr. Rasha Sharaf, Secretary General of the Education Development Fund affiliated with the Egyptian Cabinet; Prof. Dr. Ibrahim El-Sherbiny, President of Zewail City University of Science and Technology; Prof. Dr. Sun Minning, Professor at the College of Life Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University, China; and Prof. Dr. Li Aibo, Professor of Crop Breeding at the College of Life Sciences, Huazhong Agricultural University.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Nasser El-Gizawy emphasized that the outcomes of scientific research at Benha University extend far beyond published papers, representing practical solutions to real-world challenges and innovative ideas that create new opportunities for investment in knowledge.

He noted that the fifth edition of the annual Applied Sciences Postgraduate Conference reflects the University's vision of becoming a leading hub for innovation and creativity, promoting investment in knowledge and research outcomes. He stressed that science is a driving force for positive change and that innovation serves as a bridge toward a better future.

Prof. El-Gizawy further explained that Benha University has placed innovation at the heart of its strategic vision, recognizing that investing in knowledge is the most effective path toward a more prosperous future. The University not only supports researchers in generating knowledge but also seeks to transform research outcomes into tangible value that serves society and advances sustainable development. He highlighted the University's commitment to supporting research projects with direct practical impact, strengthening partnerships with industrial and economic sectors, and providing an enabling environment that encourages students and researchers to develop innovative ideas and transform them into applicable solutions.

He also encouraged postgraduate students to actively engage in the conference sessions and workshops, enriching scientific discussions that foster innovation and promote the application of knowledge in addressing practical challenges.

For her part, Prof. Dr. Gehan Abdelhady stated that organizing the conference at this time reflects the University's deep awareness of the pivotal role of applied sciences in shaping the future, particularly amid the rapid global advances in advanced technologies, artificial intelligence, healthcare applications, and environmental sustainability. She noted that applied sciences have evolved from being merely an academic discipline into a fundamental pillar of comprehensive development and the creation of resilient societies capable of adapting to future challenges.

She emphasized the vital role of postgraduate students as the backbone of scientific research and the leaders of future innovation. She described the conference as a distinguished scientific platform for exchanging ideas, presenting cutting-edge research findings in applied sciences, strengthening the connection between scientific research and societal needs, and supporting sustainable development goals. The conference also offers an excellent opportunity to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and establish new partnerships among universities, research institutions, and industrial sectors.

Prof. Abdelhady also expressed her pride in the distinguished international participation, particularly from scholars and researchers representing universities in China, whose expertise and pioneering achievements in innovation and advanced technology significantly enrich the conference. She affirmed that this participation reflects the strength of international academic relations and underscores the importance of global collaboration in addressing shared challenges through strategic partnerships based on knowledge exchange.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Hesham Rashid, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Conference Rapporteur, explained that the conference covers a wide range of topics, including medical and health sciences, basic sciences, environmental and agricultural sciences, with particular emphasis on smart applications, digital transformation, and sustainable solutions that serve society.

He added that this year's conference received 97 scientific research papers across its various themes and attracted approximately 400 participants. All accepted papers will be published, following peer review and plagiarism screening, in a special issue of the Benha Journal of Applied Sciences.