 |
Al-Ahram Weekly 7 - 13 October 1999 Issue No. 450 
|
||
Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
| ||
|
Al-Ahram Weekly 7 - 13 October 1999 Issue No. 450
|
||
| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
| ||
Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Interview Features Profile Travel Living Sports People Time Out Chronicles Cartoons Letters Science as power
Science is the gate through which we must pass into the 21st century; but I am not sure we accord it the importance it deserves. It is true that we have a ministry devoted to scientific research -- although it is now amalgamated with the Ministry of Higher Education. I am not sure, however, that science receives sufficient attention in our daily life.
We must show greater concern for research -- indeed, we must devote a budget to encouraging researchers. We must attempt to benefit from scientific progress abroad, while helping Egypt's scientists make greater advances in their chosen fields. I am very proud of the accomplishments of Egyptian scientist Ahmed Zuweil, but I feel we should have learned from his discoveries instead of organising carnivals in celebration of his achievements. Nor is Ahmed Zuweil the only scientist in Egypt; I heard recently of another Egyptian, currently residing in Sweden, who has found a cure for liver cirrhosis caused by viral infection, without causing harmful side effects. His experiments on animals have proven successful, and he now wants to begin experimenting on humans here in Egypt. We must back such initiatives enthusiastically. We should also solicit the opinions of Egyptian and foreign scientists, and take their advice seriously.
Scientific research affects every aspect of our lives, from industry to agriculture and health care. If we are to benefit from it, however, we must furnish it with a sound basis in technology. Otherwise, we will be forced to continue importing knowledge.
Based on an interview by Mohamed Salmawy.
