Media Center
Dr. Tarek Ali, Acting President of Beni-Suef University, announced that the university has welcomed a distinguished three-week scientific visit by Professor Douglas Rainey, Professor of Chemistry at South Dakota State University (USA). The visit aims to implement a specialized research program on the extraction of oils from medicinal and aromatic plants, in close collaboration with the University’s Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research and several university faculties.
The University President affirmed that the visit of the American expert reflects the university’s direction, aligned with the State’s strategy to enhance international cooperation. It also comes within the framework of Beni-Suef University’s keenness to activate the “American Experts Hosting Program” offered by the U.S. Fulbright Commission, which directly supports Egypt’s vision for strengthening international partnerships, transferring global expertise, and raising the efficiency of the scientific research system.
He added that the visit directly benefits academic and research activities at the university, noting that Dr. Douglas participated in a research project and completed various scientific and research tasks at the Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research. He also conducted visits to several faculties, including the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Post Graduate Studies and Advanced Sciences, the Faculty of Agriculture, Laser Institute for Research and Applications (LIRA), and Beni-Suef National University. During these visits, he delivered lectures and held fruitful scientific meetings with faculty members and researchers, contributing to opening new horizons for scientific and research cooperation.
The University President pointed out that the visiting professor expressed great admiration for the university’s advanced research capabilities, well-equipped laboratories, and serious scientific collaboration, all of which reflect the significant progress achieved by the university in recent years.
He stressed that such exchanges of international expertise contribute to opening new research avenues related to extraction techniques and industrial applications, supporting the university’s orientation toward research aimed at serving industry and the community.
He added that through Dr. Douglas’s research, South Dakota State University became among the first signatories of the “Green Chemistry Commitment,” where he serves as a member of the advisory board. Dr. Douglas has also received the American Chemical Society Committee Award for Improving the Environment by Integrating Sustainability into Chemistry Education.
Dr. Adel Gouda, Dean of the Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Research, explained that the visit came at an important time to support the Institute’s development plans. Dr. Douglas carried out joint work within the Institute and contributed to organizing the Institute’s First International Scientific Forum titled “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: From Production to Consumption,” held at the Nile Corniche Conference Center. He also conducted field visits and communicated with specialized factories involved in extracting oils from medicinal and aromatic plants, noting that the exchange of expertise with Professor Douglas significantly enriched the research project.
Dr. Adel added that Professor Douglas Rainey’s research focuses on the use of supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, and other innovative solvent systems for biomass processing, analytical sample separation, and high-resolution chromatography for extracting oils and active compounds from plants.
Dr. Iman Gad Qandil, Executive Director of the International Cooperation and Foreign Relations Office at the University and the official responsible for implementing the program, explained that the arrangements for the visit began more than a year ago and included intensive coordination with the Fulbright Program team in the United States.
She added that a comprehensive scientific program was prepared, including research visits, lectures, and meetings with faculty deans and researchers, in addition to tours in research centers. She confirmed that the visit generated significant momentum across the university. The American expert praised the positive outcomes of the visit, highlighting the strong research capabilities of young researchers, their academic commitment, and the precise organization of the program.
Dr. Iman concluded by affirming that the International Cooperation and Foreign Relations Office at Beni-Suef University continues to implement a clear plan for hosting visiting professors and international experts, ensuring effective exchange and transfer of expertise, expanding international cooperation networks, and building partnerships that support the university’s vision for excellence and research leadership.