From Queen Hatshepsut, one of the earliest female leaders in history (c. 1507–1458 BC), to the countless women today leading, researching, and driving change across laboratories, boardrooms, and communities, the story of women in science is one of remarkable resilience, intellect, and unyielding determination. Egyptian women have long been at the forefront of scientific discovery, pushing boundaries and challenging norms since the era of Ancient Egypt, proving that knowledge has no gender and that leadership can thrive in any field.
Today, as we come together in Cairo at the Humboldt Kolleg Meeting 2025 in the German University in Cairo, we unite under shared purposes: to honor the remarkable contributions of Women in Experimental Sciences, Leadership, and Sustainability; to meet as a community of Humboldtians from 4 different continents and sustain our interactions both as scientists and humans; to support our junior team members by giving them the chance to mesh with eminent scientists from various robust institutions. This Kolleg Meeting is not only an event but also a call for more investment in women education and elevation of skills in all fields, a proof that science diplomacy is still powerful in a conflicting world more than ever.
We gather today at the German University in Cairo, an institution at the forefront of higher education and innovation in Egypt since its establishment in 2003. GUC fosters an ideal environment for innovative research, collaboration, and Interdisciplinarity, championing diversity and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds. As we reflect on this, we recall the profound wisdom in the words of Prof. Dr. Ashraf Mansour, Chairman of the BoT of the GUC: "Diversity is enrichment". This Kolleg stands as a testament to this principle, uniting individuals from diverse disciplines, generations, and cultures in the shared pursuit of knowledge, meaningful impact, and a better world.
Over the coming days [2-4 June 2025], I invite you to explore groundbreaking research in 5 thematic sessions of experimental science and sustainability, engage in thought-enriching discussions in 2 panels of distinguished leaders, and connect with inspiring women alumna to the Alexander von Humboldt foundation and a rich repertoire of leaders in academia, research, and innovation. In addition, we have a spectrum of activities for the junior researchers, including trainings, poster sessions, oral presentations and the chance of direct interaction with eminent figures in all fields during breaks and activities.
Finally yet importantly, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the sponsor: the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, whose unwavering support has made this Kolleg Meeting possible via their funding and continuous advice. Their commitment to fostering international collaboration and empowering women in research and leadership has been instrumental in shaping this Kolleg Meeting.
Welcome to Cairo, and I wish you a fruitful and joyful event.
Prof. Rasha S. Hanafi
Chair of the Humboldt Kolleg Meeting, Cairo, June 2025
Alexander von Humboldt Alumna, Professor of Pharmaceutical Analysis, German University in Cairo