The German University in Cairo (GUC) recently hosted the three-day international Humboldt Kolleg Conference “Women in Experimental Sciences, Leadership, and Sustainability” in June 2025. The event brought together renowned scientists, leaders, and researchers from Egypt, Germany, Brazil, and Nigeria, as well as inspiring female GUC alumni with significant contributions to global scientific research.
The opening ceremony was attended by eminent figures including Prof. Ashraf Mansour, Chairman of BoT of the GUC, Prof. Yasser Hegazy, President of GUC, Prof. Gina Elfeky, President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology; and Dr. Wiebke Bachmann, Director of DAAD Egypt. The conference attended by more than 40 Humboldt alumni among 130 participants featured five scientific sessions, two panel discussions, and specialized activities such as poster presentations, oral contributions, and training sessions for young researchers.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Rasha Hanafi, Conference Chair and Humboldt Aluma, emphasized the long-standing role of Egyptian women in science—from Queen Hatshepsut’s legacy to today’s leading researchers—highlighting their impact on innovation and economic development. She stressed that each participant’s journey reflects resilience, excellence, and determination, transcending borders and stereotypes. She praised the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s Mentoring Program for Women, which supports over 100 female researchers worldwide. She also acknowledged GUC’s pivotal role in creating a diverse, inclusive academic environment that fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration and scientific advancement, in line with the university is founding vision that “science has no gender” and “diversity is enrichment. The conference stands as a testament to the power of scientific diplomacy, collaboration, and investment in women as drivers of innovation and global progress.
Conference details: https://www.guc.edu.eg/en/research/humboldt2025/
Press release: الدكتور أشرف منصور رئيس أمناء الجامعه الالمانيه يفتتح مؤتمر "المرأة في العلوم التجريبية والقيادة و الاستدامة " - التعليم اليوم