Sayed Habasha

The National Research Center was established as an independent public organization in 1956, with the aim of “promoting basic and applied scientific research, particularly in industry, agriculture, public health and other sectors of the national economy.” It is the largest institution affiliated with the Ministry of Scientific Research and employs about 60% of the total scientists working in these institutions. Between the 1960s and 1980s, six divisions of the National Research Center evolved into independent research institutes: • National Institute of Standards • Petroleum Research Institute • Central Institute of Mineral Research • Theodor Bilharz Institute • Ophthalmology Research Institute • Electronic Research Institute. Since its establishment, the National Research Center has gone through three developmental stages: • • The initial stage extending until 1968 focused on basic science research and capacity building. • • The second stage (1968-1973) was characterized by increasing interaction with the production and service sectors. • • The third stage (1973 to date) focuses on customer-oriented research to serve the specific needs of end users. Mission The National Research Center is the largest multidisciplinary research and development center in Egypt dedicated to basic and applied research in key areas of interest. • The National Research Center consists of 14 institutes and 109 departments covering the major fields of industry, health, environment, agriculture, basic sciences and engineering. • The National Research Center is headed by a President with the rank of Minister, assisted by two Vice Presidents, one for Research and the other for Technical Affairs. The Minister of State for Scientific Research is the Supreme President of the National Research Center.