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In line with the state’s direction toward supporting applied scientific research and strengthening institutional partnerships among specialized research centers, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute (TBRI) and the Research Institute of Ophthalmology (RIO) signed a joint cooperation protocol in the fields of scientific research and training. The protocol aims to unify efforts and build research and medical capacities capable of keeping pace with scientific advancements and serving the Egyptian healthcare system. 

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of a distinguished group of scientific and medical leaders from both sides. Theodor Bilharz Research Institute was represented by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz, Acting Director of the Institute and Chairman of the Board, while the Research Institute of Ophthalmology was represented by Prof. Dr. Hisham Ali, Director of the Institute and Chairman of the Board. It was agreed that coordination and follow-up would be carried out through Assoc. Prof. Dr. Safia Samir, Director of the Office of the Director of TBRI for External Relations and Scientific Cooperation, and Dr. Raghda Nagaty, researcher at the Research Institute of Ophthalmology, to ensure proper implementation of the protocol and achievement of its objectives.
The protocol aims to enhance research and training cooperation between the two institutes and to work jointly on preparing a new generation of researchers in medical and health fields. This will be achieved through the exchange of scientific expertise, implementation of joint research projects, organization of scientific events, as well as medical and awareness campaigns, thereby supporting sustainable health development and meeting community needs.
The cooperation also includes conducting joint research, exchanging scientists and experts, organizing conferences, workshops, and scientific seminars, in addition to collaboration in the fields of quality and accreditation, and all areas of mutual interest within a framework of integration and exchange of resources and capabilities. 

The visit began with a field tour of several departments and units at the Research Institute of Ophthalmology, during which Prof. Dr. Hisham Ali accompanied Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz and the accompanying delegation to review the institute’s research and medical capabilities and its advanced infrastructure. During the tour, attendees praised the advanced level of equipment, modern technologies, and specialized scientific and medical expertise. They emphasized that these capabilities strongly complement the advanced research infrastructure and distinguished scientific expertise of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, forming a solid foundation for supporting joint cooperation and implementing research and training projects that achieve the protocol’s objectives and contribute to the development of scientific research and health services. 

In his speech during the signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel Aziz affirmed that this protocol represents a strategic step reflecting TBRI’s orientation toward maximizing the utilization of available research and human resources and building effective institutional partnerships capable of transforming scientific and applied research into tangible health and economic impact. He emphasized that the institute firmly believes that serious cooperation among specialized national institutions is the true driver of scientific progress, as it enables integration of expertise, enhances innovation, supports technology transfer and localization, and contributes to the preparation and qualification of a new generation of researchers in accordance with the highest scientific and ethical standards. This ensures the sustainability of research development, enhances human capacity efficiency, and strengthens the role of research institutions in supporting the healthcare system locally and regionally, in line with the state’s sustainable development plans. 

The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both sides. From Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, attendees included Prof. Dr. Ahmed El-Baz, former Vice President of the Institute; Prof. Dr. Sanaa Thabet, Professor of Pharmacology and Supervisor of TICO;  Prof. Dr. Emad Esmat, Professor of General Surgery; Prof. Dr. Ola Mahmoud, Head of the Clinical Laboratory Research Division; and Prof. Dr. Omar Sabry, Secretary General of the Institute.
From the Research Institute of Ophthalmology, attendees included Prof. Dr. Sherif Karawia, Professor of Ophthalmology and former Director of the Institute; Prof. Dr. Ghada El-Hossary, Head of the Academic Sciences Department; Counselor Osama Tawfik, Vice President of the State Council and Legal Advisor to the Institute; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim El-Borgy, Acting Head of the Oculoplastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Tarek El-Naggar, Head of the Vision Correction Unit; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sameh Galal, Acting Head of the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Department; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sherif Hegazy, Assistant Research Professor at the Retina and Vitreous Department; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sara Rizk, Head of the Surgical Supervision Team and Animal House; Dr. Hisham Fouad, Head of the Ocular Oncology Unit; Dr. Shady Soliman, researcher at the Cornea Unit and Supervisor of the Stem Cell Laboratory; and Dr. Dalia Abou El-Leil, Acting Hospital Director and Quality Supervisor. 

This protocol underscores the commitment of both institutions to promoting a culture of institutional cooperation and maximizing the role of scientific research in supporting the healthcare sector, in line with Egypt’s Vision for Sustainable Development, and enhancing the standing of national research institutions at both regional and international levels.