Global Astronomy Survey : Egypt

First submission: Ayman Elsayed [29 April 2009][see resources section for contact details]

SPoC Approval : No

1. Professional (Research) Astronomy:

i. Number of universities offering Astronomy (and their names) 

Total number of Egyptian governmental universities is eighteen. The following three universities offer astronomy courses: Cairo University, El-Azhar University, and Alexandria University.

ii. Number of universities offering Physics (and their names)

Fourteen Egyptian governmental universities offer physics courses as follows: Cairo
University,  Ain Shams University,  Assiut University, Alexandria University, Canal El-Suez University, El-Meniya University, El-Fayoum University, Sohag University, Helwan University, Tanta University, Zagazeeg University, Benha University, Menoufia University, and El-Wadi El-Gedid University.

iii. Number of academics who have been trained in Astronomy (ideally with their names and levels of qualification)

There are three governmental institutions offering postgraduate degrees in astronomy.
These institutions have approximately 250 academia, who have received their Phd degrees from various international universities. 

iv. Number of astronomical facilities (observatories, telescopes, etc) and as much detail about each as possible (websites/contact details)  

National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NARIAG) – Helwan Observatory

v. Self evaluation (according to the different phases above, how would you rate your country in terms of Professional Astronomy? Please include any other relevant information to motivate your choice.) 

Egypt as a country status evaluation would fall in “phase 2” as it has astronomy research and outreach programs, but “remain in need of support”.

2. Public Understanding of Astronomy:

i. What governmental astronomy/science outreach programmes for the public take place (co- ordinated either by government departments or national facilities) 

There are two planetarium theaters in Alexandria and Cairo (Library of Alexandria and
Faculty of Army), and the third is under construction in Alexandria at the Arab Academy for Science & Technology. There is also one astronomy association, Mostafa Mahoud
Astronomy Association. 

ii. What non-governmental astronomy/science outreach programmes for the public take place (NGO activities or international programmes that your country is involved in) 

Outreach programs are carried out by both governmental and non governmental entities, like the above mentioned planetariums and astronomy association, in addition, to school
programs and research centers like CultNat.

iii. Comment on the presence of astronomy in the media (TV, radio, newspapers).
Is it very prominent? No 
Are there specific programmes on astronomy? No 
Is the media generally willing to publish news on astronomy? Depending on the event and content

iv. Comment on the presence of astronomy/science in the general culture of the people.
Are there any specific challenges or setbacks? Yes as science is viewed as distant from
people’s daily life activities.
Is astronomy a welcome subject of conversation? Yes

v. Self evaluation (according to the different phases above, how would you rate your country in terms of Public Understanding of Astronomy? Please include any other relevant information to motivate your choice.) 
Needs more outreach programs and increasing the media attention.  Phase 3.

3. Astronomy in Schools:

i. What governmental astronomy/science education and outreach programmes for schools take place (co-ordinated either by government departments or national facilities) 

Astronomy is included in few chapters in general science books, with regular visits to
planetariums. 

What non-governmental astronomy/science education and outreach programmes for schools take place (NGO activities or international programmes that your country is involved in) 
Mostafa Mahoud Astronomy Association is the only NGO that runs astronomy outreach
programs.

ii. Comment on the presence of astronomy in the school curriculum.
Is it part of the school curriculum? Yes
Is it very prominent? Yes
What age groups? All groups

iii. Comment on the status of astronomy/science in schools. Are there any specific challenges or setbacks? 

Sufficient number of students studying maths and science? Yes
General interest in maths/science/astronomy in schools? Egyptian students are very strong in mathematics in all school stages, while in science and astronomy, it is very strong in primary and weakens as students proceed to show low interest in high school.

iv. Self evaluation (according to the different phases above, how would you rate your country in terms of Astronomy in Schools? Please include any other relevant information to motivate your choice.) 

More programs are needed to cover all Egypt.  Phase 3