Heliopolis University

For the Cairo University formed in 1950 which was called by this name briefly in 1954, see Ain Shams University.

Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development is a university in Egypt and currently under establishment. It was formerly known as Sekem University.

It is founded by Ibrahim Abouleish, received approval from the Egyptian President in 2009, and is expected to open in 2011.

References

      SEKEM initiative is delighted to announce the official launch of Heliopolis University, in September 2011. Heliopolis University is the first non-profit University in the Middle East declaring sustainable development as its overall guiding principle. Building on SEKEM’s long-term experience, the idea for the establishment of Heliopolis University was conceived in an effort to educate the new generation on the concept of sustainable development and its further applications in all the different sectors of the economy. Responding to the challenges of the 21st century such as climate change, resources scarcity, a growing population and extreme poverty, Heliopolis University was brought into existence to drive promising research activity and deliver innovative findings that can serve as sustainable solutions for the accommodation of the major issues affecting the Egyptian society.
     Based on a renewed understanding of the University concept, in which Teaching, Research and Practice build a unified whole, Heliopolis University contributes to the sustainable development in all different aspects of our society by:

Interactive learning methods and study programs, following the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), enable mobility of the students and researchers

Participation in interdisciplinary research on a National and International level of both, professors and students Integration of the “practical experience“ enabling the discovery of its inherent future potentials

Practical training in the University’s laboratories, which are equipped with the latest technological advancements to provide students with hands-on experience and training on technology use.

    Being part of the Heliopolis University, Heliopolis Academy has been conducting applied research projects since 2000 in different fields together with international organizations and Universities. With its experience and know-how in applied research, the Heliopolis Academy functions and serves as the research nucleus of HUE. Therefore, Heliopolis University has already a wealth ground to build on its innovative projects and learn from the lessons learned drawn by the Academy’s experience. Furthermore, through the Heliopolis Academy, Heliopolis University also offers students the possibility to obtain practical orientation by means of internships and lab practical training. 

Founding Institutions

     Heliopolis University was established by the SEKEM initiative, which is working in the field of sustainable development of people, earth, and Society in Egypt, since 1977. In 2003, the founder of this initiative, Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Abouleish received the Right Livelihood Award for his work. Furthermore, he has been recognized as an “Outstanding Social Entrepreneur” by the Schwab Foundation. In 2008, he received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. 

The founding institutions of Heliopolis University are: SEKEM Development Foundation, working in the fields of education (kindergarten, school, therapeutic pedagogy), vocational training, adult education, research and medical prevention Abouleish Foundation, responsible body of the Heliopolis University The SEKEM Holding, consisting of 9 companies (established 33years ago) in the fields of biodynamic agriculture, organic food, textiles, pharmaceuticals and renewable energies is supporting the Heliopolis University with financial assistance, an international partner network and continuous cooperation in research and teaching.

Partnerships with Universities

      Since 2000, we have been working in conjunction with other Universities on International Research projects in the fields of Biodynamic Agriculture, Renewable Energies, Water, Mechatronics, Medicine and Pharmacy. 
     Having developed an extensive network of contacts, over the last 5 years, Heliopolis University has signed 24 Memorandums of Understanding with high-ranked, International Universities. In the frame of these MOUs, Heliopolis University has agreed upon different forms of cooperation with its partners, ranging from student exchange programs to creation and development of joint study programs. As part of its international networking and partnership policy, Heliopolis University also claims a strong position in the Mediterranean academic community, being an official member of the Euro Mediterranean University.
     Heliopolis University is currently working jointly with the US-American Organization Transform in order to establish the Business & Economics faculty Curriculum. On the field of Organic Agriculture, Heliopolis University is cooperating with the German university of Hohenheim to develop a joint degree. We also aim at developing a double degree in the field of Pharmacy with one of our European partners and have a close collaboration with the Technical University of Graz in Austria to boost our resources and develop joint projects in the field of renewable energies. 

Particular close partnerships exist with: University of Graz (Austria), in the field of Pharmacy TU Graz (Austria), in the field of Renewable Energies Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences (Germany), in the field of Arts Euro Mediterranean University for staff mobility Freie Hochschule Stuttgart Weingarten University of Education University of Dundee University of Nicosia Steinbeis University Berlin University Portsmouth Leipzig University Liverpool John Moores University (UK), in the fields of Environmental Engineering and Water Management University Hohenheim (Germany), in the field of Organic Agriculture

       Moreover, Heliopolis University is holder of the “Regional Center of Expertise for Education on Sustainable Development in Cairo” and closely associated with the United Nations University.

Corporate network

       Heliopolis University builds strategic alliances with Egyptian and International industry partners, in order to solidify a close link between research and practice. Working closely with the United Nation Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and several especially selected African universities, Heliopolis University represents the Egyptian higher education institutions in order to establish a global network for the “Chair on Innovation”. The purpose of the “Chair of Innovation” project is to establish an institutionalized connection between universities and enterprises.

The Heliopolis University aims at:

 Graduates with a Social Entrepreneurship spirit  Competent graduates for new, sustainable job profiles  Interdisciplinary research competence of graduates and researchers for innovations

       The market for sustainable, green products and services is growing worldwide in developed as well as developing countries. Over the last years, the job opportunities and the demand for experts in those fields have significantly increased and will grow bigger in the future. Especially in Egypt with its enormous potential for green technologies and base-of-the-pyramid solutions, there is a need for entrepreneurs who are able to actually develop and implement innovative projects and shape a new responsible competitiveness.   

Faculties  Sustainable Engineering Renewable Energy, Water, Mechatronics, Sustainable Architecture  Sustainable Business & Economics Sustainable Management, Sustainable Economics  Health Sciences & Practices Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Nursing  Sustainable Agriculture & Food Sciences Organic Agriculture, Food Processing  Social Sciences & Humanities Languages, Political Sciences, Pedagogy, Sociology  Media & Communications Journalism, Radio & TV, Public Relations, Advertising  Applied Arts Music, Theatre, Eurhythmy, Graphic Design

        The Core Program, as an integral part of every Bachelor program, consists of subjects related to Natural and Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts, Scientific methodologies and foreign languages courses especially selected to stimulate students’ thinking and perception ability. 

Bachelor and graduate (Master, PhD, MBA) programs are developed and implemented together with international partnering universities within the framework of European Tempus projects. Students

    With a ten years perspective, Heliopolis University aspires to have developed capacity to accommodate 5000 students.

Campus The campus is under construction in Ismailia governorate. Heliopolis University is envisaging the establishment of a University Campus that will allow students, faculty, and staff to participate, collaborate, and integrate into a diverse university community. The University will create a sustainable environment featured by a pedestrian-friendly and ecologically sensitive environment; by providing welcoming and safe surroundings; by utilizing innovative and technological learning spaces; by ensuring community friendly learning, gathering, and collaborative places and by developing green and energy conscious facilities and outdoor area. Apart from the buildings for teaching and research the campus will include a library, a cultural center with a concert hall, a gallery as well as a living area with urban and recreational facilities.

Heliopolis University official Start will be in September 2011, with Bachelor programs in Engineering, Sustainable Business and Economics, Pharmacy, and Drug Manufacturing, Nursing, Organic Agriculture and Food Sciences. Considering its dedication to provide and pro-act to the challenges of the future, Heliopolis University aims at employing the most competent individuals to equip its academic and administrative departments. Heliopolis University prides on its highly qualified staff and the esteemed Board of Trustees selected by its international network of contacts. In this setting, Heliopolis University invests in its effective team of individuals, who all share the same vision, in order to set solid foundations and contribute to the sustainable future development. Heliopolis University merges the perspectives of international education and sustainable development into an overall innovative approach that forms individuals for the future of our world.

External links

• Heliopolis University website