Mansoura University Celebrates its 16th Science Day and Honors its Scholars in the Presence of the Grand Mufti and the Governor of Dakahlia

Mansoura University celebrated its 16th Science Day today in the main conference hall of the university administration building. The event was held under the patronage of Prof. Cherif Khater, President of the University, and in the presence of His Eminence Prof. Nazir Muhammad Ayyad, Grand Mufti of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Secretary-General of the Dar al-Ifta and Fatwa Councils of the World; His Excellency Major General Tariq Marzouq, Governor of Dakahlia; Prof. Ahmed Gamal El-Din Moussa, former Minister of Education and Higher Education; Prof. Muawad El-Khouli, President of New Mansoura University; Prof. El-Saeed Abdel-Hadi, President of Horus University; Prof. Ashraf Abdel-Basset, Academic President of the University of Hertfordshire and former President of Mansoura University; Prof. Mohamed Attia, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs; Prof. Mohamed Abdel-Azim, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Tarek Ghalwash, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research; Dr. Ahmed El-Adl, Deputy Governor of Dakahlia; as well as former university vice presidents and executive and security leaders. The ceremony was attended by military personnel, distinguished scholars, deans of faculties, directors of medical and research centers and university hospitals, members of the Senate and the Parliament the university's secretary-general, faculty members and teaching assistants, and members of the media and press.

During the celebration, the university honored 77 scientists, faculty members, and teaching assistants who had received state awards in various categories (the Nile Award, the Appreciation Award, the Encouragement Award, and the Women's Awards), as well as awards from institutions and individuals, and the university's Appreciation and Encouragement Awards for scientific excellence. The honorees also included those who had earned doctoral degrees, those who submitted the best master's and doctoral theses, winners of international research awards, and the top academic departments.

Prof. Cherif Khater, the university president, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing that Science Day has become a shining day in the university's history and a renewed symbol of celebrating science, contribution, and creativity. He stated that the university honors its members who have carried its banner in the fields of research and innovation, serving as its best ambassadors in every local and international scientific forum. He affirmed that science is the true investment and the weapon of nations in building their future, and that Egyptian universities today bear a doubled responsibility to keep pace with the rapid global development in the fields of knowledge and technology. He added that Mansoura University has been and will remain a leading model of an Egyptian university capable of competing globally and committed to its mission of serving the nation and humanity. He pointed to its remarkable progress in international rankings, its leading position among Egyptian universities in several medical and scientific fields, the high rates of international publication in prestigious journals, and the increase in international cooperation projects and research funding, thanks to the efforts of its scientists and researchers, who represent the university's true wealth. He concluded his speech by thanking the organizing committees, led by Prof. Tarek Ghalwash, Vice President for Graduate Studies and Research, praising his outstanding contributions to supporting the scientific research system and the university's internationalization. He emphasized that Science Day is not the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a new journey of excellence and contribution.

Prof. Nazir Ayyad said that this meeting is one of the important gatherings that came at the right time. Because it reveals the grandeur of knowledge and the worth of scholars, and underscores the importance of nurturing knowledge and those who pursue it. His Eminence added that, in the Islamic perspective, knowledge is an inseparable essence of faith, complementing it rather than being merely a worldly adornment. Islam does not view knowledge as simply a worldly adornment, but rather as an act of worship through which the servant draws closer to his Lord. He explained that divine revelation linked the light of knowledge with the light of guidance, as evidenced by the first verses of the Holy Quran: “Read in the name of your Lord who created.” This is a command to read and learn so that it becomes firmly established in the conscience that knowledge is the key to progress, and that religion is based on sound understanding, profound awareness, and enlightened thought. He added that the world today is witnessing rapid advancements in science, technology, artificial intelligence, and its applications, which imposes a new reality that necessitates a mature openness from an Islamic perspective. He pointed out that any nation aspiring to a place in the future of humanity must combine the authenticity of religion with the power of science, and the light of revelation with the methodology of reason. The Grand Mufti concluded his remarks by emphasizing that celebrating Science Day is not merely a symbolic occasion, but rather a day of remembrance. Knowledge, in its essence, is an act of worship, its application a mission, and dedicating oneself to serving humanity a religious objective and a national duty.

Major General Tariq Marzouk, Governor of Dakahlia, said that Mansoura University is a towering bastion of knowledge in our beloved nation. It has always been a beacon of leadership and a symbol of the minds that Egypt possesses, minds capable of change and making a difference. He noted that standing on the grounds of this prestigious university fills the heart with pride and instills in the soul a renewed sense of hope, for it is a stronghold of Egyptian creativity that has transcended local boundaries to reach global horizons. He added, "Today we celebrate the 16^th anniversary of Science Day. We celebrate effort and achievement. We celebrate those who have made their minds beacons illuminating the nation's path toward the future. We honor a select group of Mansoura University graduates who have proven that science in Egypt is timeless, and that Egyptian minds know no limits. This honor is the fruit of continuous effort and a firm belief that science is a message, a responsibility, and a trust to be fulfilled with sincerity and excellence." He pointed out that His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi recognized that science is the engine driving development and the primary driver of any genuine renaissance. He supported scientific research, nurtured talented and distinguished individuals, and made this a firm national priority and a cornerstone of a state that understands that building human capital is the foundation for building nations. He emphasized that those honored today are not merely names mentioned in academic circles, but rather inspiring role models for every student and every young person who dreams of making a difference through their knowledge.

He praised the Grand Mufti of Egypt for his contributions to his community and country, noting that Mansoura University remains a model of excellence thanks to its brilliant minds and innovative researchers, a shining example in the history of Egyptian universities. He also emphasized that the Grand Mufti, through his religious and scholarly efforts, reinforces the values ​​of moderation and balance, affirming that religion and science are complementary pillars in human development. He stated that true enlightenment lies in the combined light of faith and knowledge serving the nation and humanity. He expressed his gratitude to the Grand Mufti for his distinguished presence and moderate approach, and also thanked the President of Mansoura University for his insightful leadership and dedicated efforts in fostering a culture of innovation and encouraging scientific research.

Addressing the scientists and researchers, the Governor said, "You are partners of the governorate in its development journey, and we will work together to build bridges of cooperation between the university and executive bodies through initiatives and projects that translate the results of scientific research into practical solutions that contribute to improving the quality of life, serving the citizens, and building the Egyptian individual on a foundation of knowledge and innovation."

During the ceremony, Prof. Tarek Ghalwash reviewed the scientific and research achievements of the past academic year, explaining that last year witnessed the implementation of a number of important strategic goals within the framework of Mansoura University's internationalization. These goals were based on four main pillars: internationalizing postgraduate studies, enhancing scientific research, launching the digital postgraduate studies platform, and expanding international partnerships. He pointed out that the university has taken unprecedented steps towards internationalizing its postgraduate programs. It launched its digital postgraduate studies platform in September 2024, implemented four major international projects, signed and activated 35 new cooperation agreements with international universities and research institutions, and sent 86 faculty members on research and training missions as part of international scientific exchange programs. He affirmed that the university aims, in the coming phase, to build a distinctive intellectual brand for Mansoura University, positioning it as one of the most influential and followed universities at both the national and regional levels. He noted that the university's Artificial Intelligence Center has provided ample opportunities to enhance performance accuracy and accelerate research processes, contributing to the development of medical services provided to more than two million patients annually. He concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of investing in scientific research, laboratories, and intellectual assets, and establishing a specialized research projects management department to develop mechanisms for writing and funding research. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the university president, his deputies, deans, and vice deans for their continuous support.

The celebration concluded with Prof. Cherif Khater presenting the university's shield to the Grand Mufti of Egypt and the Governor of Dakahlia in recognition and appreciation. A ceremony was also held to honor scientists and innovators, presenting them with university shields and certificates of appreciation, and commemorative photos were taken amidst an atmosphere of pride, honor, and high academic standards.