In the fall of 2014, the DAAD Regional Office Cairo launched the DAAD Research Ambassadors Programme in Egypt. The programme is financed by the DAAD section for International Research Marketing (K22), with funds provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Aim of the programme is to extend the DAAD’s outreach beyond Cairo and to build trusted relations with peripheral universities for joint activities, capacity building events, and to inform students and researchers in Egypt about Germany as a research destination.

The DAAD Research Ambassadors are experienced and well educated academics and scientists who spent a minimum of ten months in Germany for academic purposes. The main objective of the DAAD Research Ambassadors is being focal points between the Egyptian universities and the DAAD Regional Office Cairo, informing students, researchers and staff not only about the DAAD itself and its funding opportunities, but also about other German academic organizations and institutions, and funding schemes. They are available to advise students, fellow scholars and scientists as well as university administrators and make efforts to motivate young researchers to conduct research in Germany.

There are currently 8 Research Ambassadors active at universities in both the Nile Delta and Upper Egypt. During annual workshops, the Research Ambassadors are regularly updated and introduced to new programmes, changes, and opportunities provided by the DAAD Regional Office, the DAAD, and partner organizations.

The main responsibility of a DAAD Research Ambassador is to promote research opportunities in Germany in his/her professional community, university or organization, and discipline.

This can take the form of:

• Contacting departmental chairs and senior administration officers to share information about study and research opportunities in Germany, including DAAD grants and other organizations’ funding programs
• Arranging an informational meeting on campus each academic year for students in their department and/or prospective applicants to DAAD programs
• Providing advice and support to students and researchers interested in pursuing academic activities in Germany in his/her field from any university or institution in Egypt – and potentially doing the same for German DAAD grantees currently studying in Egypt.

Please note that this is a voluntary post with no compensation available. However, DAAD will make reimbursements available upon request to cover expenses related to production of promotional materials or for refreshments at meetings or informational events.