The next decade (2007-2016) will be Egypt's decade of science and technology, President Mohammed Hosni Mubarak has declared, in a move that lends political support to the country's plans to expand its scientific and technological capabilities.
Speaking at the country's 2006 Science Day ceremony on 20 December, Mubarak called on the government to enhance cooperation with its international partners in fields such as genetic engineering, new and renewable energy, space science, information technology and pharmaceutical research.
The Egyptian Academy of Science, not-for-profit organization, will provide a public service by ensuring independent, unbiased assessments of the sciences and by representing the sciences both within Egypt and internationally. The �sciences� are defined as the full spectrum of sciences, including natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, social sciences and the humanities. This organization will build on and complement the mandate of existing Egyptian science organizations.
Its mission is twofold:
1. To provide a source of credible, independent, expert assessments on the sciences underlying pressing issues and matters of public interest; and
2. To provide a voice for Egypt on behalf of the sciences, both nationally and internationally.
