Instructional Innovation and Curriculum Development

Role and Objectives

The High-Quality Applied Research pillar goal is to catalyze long-term improvement in Egyptian water resources management by improving its innovative applied research and implementing the concept of applied research by linking the three concerned sectors: academics, research and industry. The Research pillar will highlight Egypt water research needs through the National Water agenda. The following figure illustrates the structure of the Research and Policy Committee, the integration of the many water sector disciplines and leveraging the existing research knowledge base. This pillar will create processes and infrastructure to administer a long-term water research program that builds Egypt’s existing capacity to perform water research. This pillar will be led by the UCSC in collaboration with Zagazig University.

Pillar Activities

The action plan of the pillar is designed to lift the research pillar goals. The action plan adopts the following activities:

• Funding +40 research projects of High Qualified Applied Research. The grants aim to provide support for essential innovative research activities and research capacity improvements
• Designing a National Water Research Roadmap – an investment plan identifying applied research priorities and research capacity investments. The Research Pillar Committee (RPC) will update the Roadmap annually
• Hosting an annual international symposium on water research by EPUs on rotational basis to showcase the research progress in Egypt’s water sector by local and international experts
• Adopting “Additional Studies” to address specific areas of need such as linking Egyptian universities with regional and local water research needs, integrating Egyptian women and disabled persons into the water workforce, creating multiple funding sources, and improving the governance of Egyptian water research at both the university and government levels.

The Instructional Innovation and Curriculum Development Component aims to transform water engineering education in Egypt, particularly within Egyptian Public Universities. Its main objective is to ensure that the knowledge and skills students acquire are directly relevant to the needs of:

Industry: Equipping undergraduates and graduates with the technical expertise and practical skills water-related companies and organizations demand.

Government: Fostering a future workforce to address Egypt’s complex water challenges and support policy development.

Egyptian Society: Cultivating a water-wise population equipped to conserve and manage this vital resource effectively.

To bridge the gap between education and real-world needs, the pillar focuses on specific activities, such as:

1. Assessing EPUs’ education and research capacities
2. Developing new water-focused courses
3. Making an online format for water courses
4. Designing four professional certification programs
5. Building water resources career development modules

Under the joint leadership of Utah State University and Ain Shams University, the activities of the Instructional Innovation and Curriculum Development pillar are guided by a collaborative committee of academic and industry representatives from all Egyptian partner universities. The pillar and its steering committee aim to empower future generations of water engineers with the knowledge, skills, and dedication to tackle Egypt’s water challenges and contribute to a more sustainable water future.