In a new achievement that adds to Tanta University's record of excellence, the Faculty of Agriculture won the Excellence Award in the Researchers Track of the National Agricultural Innovation Initiative during the “Agricultural Innovation for Sustainable Development 2026 Conference and Competition.” The award was presented to Asst. Prof. Mahmoud Samir El-Sharkawy, Assistant Professor of Soil Chemistry and Director of the Faculty's Quality Assurance Unit, reaffirming the university's leadership in scientific research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

   This achievement was accomplished under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Hussein, Tanta University President; Prof. Hatem El-Sayed Amin, Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Prof. El-Sayed Abdel Azim El-Agouz, Vice President for Education and Students; and Prof. Mahmoud Farouk Selim, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development. It reflects the university's continuous commitment to fostering innovation and enhancing the role of scientific research in advancing sustainable development.

   The success also comes as a result of the continued support provided by Prof. Essawy Qassem Mahmoud, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, together with the faculty's Vice Deans: Prof. Adel Mohamed Helal, Prof. Sherif Abdel Wanis Gabr, and Prof. Amgad Abdel Ghaffar El-Gammal, who consistently encourage researchers and innovators while promoting a culture of creativity and scientific excellence within the faculty.

   The award recognized Asst. Prof. Mahmoud Samir El-Sharkawy for his innovative project entitled "Active Glauconite Extracts and Nano-Glauconite as a Smart Alternative to Potassium." The innovation offers advanced solutions for sustainable fertilization, the safe management of agricultural waste, improving crop productivity, mitigating soil salinity, and enhancing soil-use efficiency in a cost-effective manner, thereby supporting the country's efforts to achieve food security and sustainable agricultural development.

   The competition attracted strong participation, with approximately 180 projects submitted by universities and research centers from across Egypt. Following rigorous scientific evaluation and judging, only 40 teams advanced to the final stage, underscoring the significance and distinction of this achievement.

   The Faculty of Agriculture at Tanta University extends its sincere congratulations to Asst. Prof. Mahmoud Samir El-Sharkawy on this distinguished accomplishment, wishing him continued success and professional advancement, and wishing Tanta University and the Faculty of Agriculture continued excellence and leadership in scientific events at both the national and international levels.

7/16/2026