The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) has earned recognition for its strong performance in global research and sustainability metrics. In the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, AASTMT ranked 306th globally among 1,963 universities—3rd among Egyptian universities and 19th in the Arab region—highlighted by top national positions in SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable & Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) . Internationally, it achieved 6th worldwide for SDG 7, 84th for SDG 4, and top‑100 placements for SDGs 8, 12, and 14 . Regionally, AASTMT leads on SDG 7 and ranks 12th in the Arab world for SDG 4 . Beyond SDGs, it is ranked within 1001–1200 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and is among Egypt’s top 15 universities recognized by QS subject rankings in fields such as Petroleum Engineering, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and Computer Science . These accolades reflect AASTMT’s commitment to integrating sustainability and high-quality research into its core mission.
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) has cultivated a dynamic ecosystem for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research, aligning with global trends in knowledge integration and innovation. Through its diverse faculties—ranging from engineering, computing, and logistics to pharmacy, maritime transport, and business—AASTMT encourages research that transcends traditional academic boundaries. Initiatives like the Smart Mobility Lab, Maritime Logistics Simulation Center, and Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center facilitate collaborations across domains such as AI, urban planning, sustainable energy, and healthcare. The Academy’s research agenda also includes climate resilience, blue economy strategies, and digital transformation, often combining technical sciences with policy, management, and social impact. Moreover, AASTMT actively promotes joint supervision of graduate research across faculties and regions, further strengthening cross-cutting expertise. Supported by partnerships with global organizations and local industries, the Academy’s multidisciplinary approach not only addresses complex societal challenges but also fosters innovation ecosystems that prepare students and researchers for the demands of emerging knowledge economies.
The Deanery of Scientific Research and Innovation at AASTMT, headed by Prof. Dr. Yasser Gaber Dessouky, serves as the Academy's central hub for fostering research excellence, technological advancement, and innovation across all campuses. As the Dean, Prof. Dessouky brings a distinguished pedigree—holding a PhD from Heriot‑Watt University and specializing in electrical engineering and renewable energy—through which he leads strategic research initiatives, grant acquisition, and knowledge transfer activities. Under his leadership, the Deanery oversees major centers and programs such as the Technology, Innovation and Commercialization Office (TICO), journals like Renewable Energy & Sustainable Development, and projects funded by EU, ITIDA, and ESCWA. Additionally, the office ensures rigorous compliance with intellectual property policies and promotes academic publishing, ethical research, capacity‑building workshops, and interfaculty collaboration. Serving as both a strategic and operational cornerstone, the Deanery plays a pivotal role in driving AASTMT's vision to become a leading institution in scientific research and innovation within Egypt and the MENA region.
Cognitive Cities integrate intelligent systems with human-centered urbanism, aiming for cities that not only respond to data but also learn from people, adapt to context, and evolve over time. For researchers in urban planning, design, and architecture, this opens new interdisciplinary directions.
|
Theme |
Relevant SDGs |
Key Tools |
Core Methods |
|
Cognitive Urban Design & Architecture |
SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 3 (Health & Well-being) |
Generative AI, Sensor networks, BIM, Rhino/Grasshopper |
Responsive design, Parametric modeling, Post-occupancy evaluation |
|
Human Behavior & Perception in Cities |
SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 3 |
Eye-tracking, AR/VR, EEG wearables, Mobile sensing |
User-centered design, Environmental psychology, Spatial cognition analysis |
|
Spatial Intelligence & Data-Driven Planning |
SDG 9 (Innovation), SDG 11 |
GIS, Urban knowledge graphs, Digital twins, AI planning models |
Predictive urban modeling, Network analysis, Participatory GIS |
|
Cognitive Mobility & Public Space |
SDG 11, SDG 13 (Climate Action) |
Mobility trackers, IoT sensors, Edge computing |
Mobility pattern analysis, Space syntax, Adaptive infrastructure planning |
|
Sustainable & Resilient Urban Systems |
SDG 13, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption), SDG 7 (Clean Energy) |
Environmental simulation tools (ENVI-met), AI for climate modeling, Circular economy models |
Resilience planning, Systems thinking, Urban metabolism studies |
|
Civic Interaction & Governance in Design |
SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions), SDG 17 (Partnerships) |
Civic tech platforms, NLP sentiment tools, Blockchain for participation |
Participatory planning, Deliberative democracy, Human-AI collaboration |
|
Heritage, Culture & Cognitive Identity |
SDG 11, SDG 4 (Quality Education) |
XR/AR for heritage, Story-mapping tools, AI text/image classifiers |
Narrative inquiry, Place-based design, Adaptive reuse analysis |
|
Educational, Research & Living Labs |
SDG 4, SDG 9 |
Living lab toolkits, Research prototyping environments, LMS |
Action research, Co-creation, Real-world testing |
Dr.Yasser G. Dessouky (Team Leader)
Professor Yasser Gaber Dessouky graduated from Alexandria University in 1991. He got his PhD from Heriot-Watt University, UK, in 1998. He is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Control Engineering of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT) since 2006. Currently, he is the Dean of Scientific Research and Innovation in the AASTMT. He is a Renewable Energy Expert in the ESCWA of the UN. He is a member of the national steering committee of the Egyptian Science, Technology and Innovation Observatory (ESTIO). Professor Dessouky is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development (Scopus Indexed) and an Editorial board member for many Journals and a consultant with many Industrial Companies. He is the founder of the Academy Publishing Center and is leading the Technology, Innovation, and Commercialization Office (TICO). He is also the AASTMT PI of more than 40 EU projects funded by TEMPUS, Erasmus+ plus CBHE, Erasmus+ plus CB-VET, PRIMA, ENI-CBC MED, INTERREG and HORIZON EU Programs. He is a peer reviewer in many transactions, periodicals, and conferences, and has a patent from the Patent Office in UK. He supervised many PhD and MSc theses and has published more than 65 research papers
Dr. Rania Rageh (Team Member)
Rania Rageh is Head of Research Data Science and University Ranking at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT). She leads the University’s rankings strategy, data governance, and sustainability portfolio, coordinating cross-campus initiatives aligned to the UN SDGs and overseeing submissions to QS and Times Higher Education. Previously, she spent 15 years at AASTMT’s Productivity & Quality Institute, where she managed international accreditation partnerships (IRCA/CQI, ASQ, NEBOSH), delivered large-scale capacity-building programmes, and led consultancy and audits across ISO 9001, 14001, 45001, and 13485. A certified National Expert on ISO 26000 social responsibility and an EFQM assessor, she has advised public agencies and industry on excellence models and ESG integration. Her scholarly work includes the 2024 article “Civic University Model as Living Lab—Potential and Challenges” (MACI Journal). Her PhD research at Alexandria University’s High Institute of Public Health examines occupational health and air pollution.
Rania Saber Lecturer / Fellow researcher (Team Member)
is an accomplished Alexandrian Architect and Urban Designer with a passion for teaching, research, and creative engagement. She holds both a BSc (2008) and an MSc (2016) in Architecture & Urban Design from the Arab Academy for Science & Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT). Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Urban Design from Cairo University, focusing on nature-based urban spaces in Alexandria. Rania also serves as a
Lecturer at AASTMT (Abukir and Alamein campuses) from 2011–present. Her teaching philosophy encourages critical thinking through site visits, self-learning, and non-traditional assessments.
Rania brings a wealth of practical and international experience, having worked as a Junior and Senior Architect for companies like Mimary Group and OROUBA MISR for a decade. Her work spanned urban planning, landscape design, and project management for large-scale resorts and residential projects. She is deeply involved in international academic projects, having won five Erasmus Plus Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) grants (including UPGRADE and TOURITIGE projects). Her diverse expertise also includes a professional background in Voice Over & Media Production. Her research interests lie in the intricate relationship between people and urban space, exploring areas like safe cities, emotional perception of space, and the future of AI in planning
