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​Within the framework of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute’s continuous efforts to enhance its capabilities in advanced medical research, the Institute has concluded a strategic cooperation agreement with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), one of the most prominent intergovernmental scientific entities leading innovation through three major research centers in Trieste (Italy), New Delhi (India), and Cape Town (South Africa). This partnership represents a pioneering step toward supporting Egypt's position on the map of biotechnology and advanced scientific research, in alignment with global trends and sustainable development goals.

​The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Aziz, Director of Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, and Prof. Dr. Lawrence Banks, Director-General of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. 
This cooperation comes as the culmination of a journey of scientific efforts resulting in the preparation of the memorandum through the Egyptian coordinator, Dr. Ahmed Ahmed Abdel-Aziz Hussein, a researcher in Medical Malacology Department at the Institute. During his post-doctoral scientific mission at the Center’s branch in Cape Town, he contributed to enhancing this scientific cooperation and institutional communication between the two sides. On the other side, Prof. Luiz Zerbini, Director of the ICGEB Cape Town Component, undertook the coordination task to lead joint programs and oversee the research and training projects that will bring the two institutions together in the coming period within a long-term collaboration that enhances scientific and applied benefits.

​The agreement aims to achieve advanced research cooperation between the two sides in several fields, including implementing research programs involving the development of effective diagnostic and treatment methods for chronic infectious diseases, primarily schistosomiasis and tuberculosis, alongside supporting cancer research and identifying new therapeutic targets using the latest genetic engineering techniques. It also includes cooperation in testing and developing therapeutic peptides extracted from natural organisms, as well as supporting technology transfer pathways and organizing specialized training programs that contribute to raising the efficiency of Egyptian researchers and enabling them to use and develop advanced scientific and research tools.
​In a statement, Prof. Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Aziz, Director of the Institute, explained that signing this agreement with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology represents an important step reflecting Theodor Bilharz Institute's keenness to expand its scientific partnerships with leading international institutions, supporting the path of development in research fields and medical services. He pointed out that cooperation with the ICGEB will enhance research efforts and develop new diagnostic and treatment tools, which will directly reflect on improving the quality of healthcare and supporting Egypt's capabilities in the fields of biotechnology and precision medicine.

Prof. ​Abdel-Aziz emphasized that this partnership comes within the Institute's direction to raise researcher efficiency by providing training opportunities, joint funding, and knowledge exchange, which helps develop a more advanced and sustainable research environment and enhances the status of the Egyptian researcher in the international scientific arena.

​This international cooperation confirms Egypt's scientific role and regional leadership in the fields of biomedicine and genetic engineering. It also reflects the commitment of Theodor Bilharz Institute to continue its role in supporting innovation and developing scientific research, contributing to improving the future of healthcare and reinforcing the path of sustainable development in Egypt.