Lancaster University’s Chemical Engineering Director of Studies, Dr Basu Saha, co-chaired the UK–Egypt HE Partnerships for Climate Change Mitigation Workshop, alongside Dr Fatma Ashour from Cairo University’s Faculty of Engineering, who hosted the event in Cairo.

This workshop is part of the broader LUCULENT collaborative project between Lancaster University (LU) and Cairo University (CU), funded through the British Council’s UK–Egypt Higher Education Climate Change Mitigation initiative. The event brought together leading academics, researchers, industry professionals, funding bodies, and policymakers to strengthen international collaboration and drive innovative solutions for climate change mitigation through higher education partnerships. The initiative reflects a shared vision - to leverage research excellence and innovation in tackling the global climate crisis while strengthening institutional capacities and developing sustainable, locally relevant solutions.

In her welcome speech, Dr Fatma Ashour emphasised the workshop as a powerful example of what universities can achieve when they work together across national boundaries. She drew attention to a critical yet often overlooked issue - the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and children. She added, “In many regions, women and girls bear the greatest burden of environmental degradation, a reality expected to affect nearly 240 million people by 2050. We must place women and children at the centre of climate strategies. Their empowerment is not only a moral imperative - it is essential for building resilient communities and protecting our planet’s future.”

Speaking at the event, the British Council’s Country Director, Mark Howard, highlighted the shared commitment to advancing research, innovation, and education in support of climate change mitigation. He emphasised that this partnership goes beyond producing research outputs - it is about building lasting bridges of knowledge, mutual trust, and opportunity between the two nations.

Over the three days, the workshop served as a vibrant platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing research, and forging new collaborations. The programme featured thematic sessions, roundtable discussions, and expert contributions from both academia and industry. Delegates presented their work through talks and posters, while interactive discussions opened pathways for joint research proposals and academic exchange. A highlight of the event was the highly engaging “Climate Fresk” collaborative session, organised by Saint-Gobain Egypt, which encouraged participants to explore climate challenges through a creative, systems-based approach.

Dr Basu Saha commented on the success of the workshop, “I am thankful to the British Council for their continued support, and to our partners at Cairo University and its International Office for their exceptional hospitality in hosting this workshop. I am especially grateful that our project demonstrates what can be achieved when universities transcend geographical boundaries to address global issues. Together, we are advancing collaborative research in renewable energy, sustainable materials, circular economy pathways, and low-carbon technologies - areas that are vital to both Egypt’s Vision 2030 and the UK’s Net Zero Strategy. Our shared commitment to these priorities strengthens our resolve to build a cleaner, more sustainable, and more resilient future.”