Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, allocated on Monday EGP 2m to support every innovation submitted to the Science and Technology Development Fund for combating the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In a meeting with the fund, Abdel-Ghaffar, said his ministry is attentive to scientific research in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, medical supplies, public health and information technology.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research launched the new initiative last month. It has opened the door for researchers wishing to submit innovative research proposals focusing on technological solutions to address the lack of treatment for the coronavirus and develop health capabilities combating the virus.
Abdel-Ghaffar has instructed that a joint committee of Egypt’s scientific research organisations is to be formed, to unify efforts for funding different projects aimed at address the crisis.
Emad Hegazi, the Managing Director of Science and Technology Development Fund, indicated that 134 research proposals were finalising their arbitration stage as part of the programme.
The 134 proposals include new medicines, masks using nanomaterials as an alternative to N95 masks, non-alcohol sterilisation materials, lightweight sterile medical clothing, and applications for different treatment protocols, said Hegazi.
