Dr. Ahmed Zewail, a Nobel Prize winning chemist, visited Cairo, Egypt earlier this month as the first U.S. Science Envoy “to discuss how the United States can work with Egypt to strengthen science and technology cooperation.” DipNote reports that while in Cairo, Dr. Zewail met with many top Egyptian officials, including the Prime Minister.

In his various meetings, Dr. Zewail “led discussions and sought solutions on how Egypt can improve its education, science and technology systems”:

“As a science envoy, Dr. Zewail seeks to deepen existing and develop new relationships and gather valuable input on areas of potential collaboration aimed at addressing common global challenges and realizing shared goals.”

Sen. Richard Lugar (R-IN) introduced the U.S. Science Envoys program in the Senate in April 2009. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton then announced the first three U.S. Science Envoys in November 2009 from Marrakesh, Morocco.