EUI Honors the Legacy of Prof. Reem Bahgat

Today, Egypt University of Informatics (EUI) held a memorial ceremony honoring the late Prof. Reem Bahgat, the founding president of the university. The event recognized her significant contributions to establishing the university and her many achievements and successes, made possible through her dedication, vision, and over 40 years of tireless service to the field of information and communication technology. Prof. Bahgat was also a pioneer in one of the most critical fields of the future: artificial intelligence.

Prof. Ahmed Hamad, Acting President of Egypt University of Informatics, stated that H.E.Dr. Amr Talaat, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, opened the memorial with a speech highlighting Prof. Reem's virtues, her lifelong devotion to science and higher education in Egypt, the Arab world, and several European countries where she worked, as well as her notable service to the nation through her membership in the Advisory Council of Egyptian Scientists and Experts.

He added that the memorial aimed to honor her legacy and serve as a source of inspiration for future generations. The event introduced students, colleagues, and mentees to her life journey while also sending a message to scholars that meaningful work leaves a lasting impact, even after the departure of its creator. He extended his gratitude to everyone who took part in the ceremony.

During the event, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology unveiled a commemorative plaque bearing Prof. Reem Bahgat's name, as the university’s main hall was officially named in her honor.

Eng. Raafat Hindi, Deputy Minister of Communications and Information Technology for Infrastructure and Digital Transformation, and Vice Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees, announced the Board's approval to establish a merit-based scholarship named after Prof. Reem Bahgat, starting from the next academic year.

Also participating in the memorial was Professor Dr. Maher Mesbah, Secretary-General of the Council of National Universities, who delivered a speech on behalf of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Dr. Hossam Osman, Deputy Minister for Innovation and Scientific Research, also attended, along with several university presidents. A short film was screened, showcasing Prof. Bahgat’s journey and her contributions to academia and research. The film reflected her values of innovation, empathy, and commitment—qualities she consistently upheld throughout her career. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, not only at the university but also in the broader academic and technological communities she helped shape. She was a source of inspiration to everyone who had the honor of working with her.

The event also featured heartfelt speeches reflecting on various aspects of Prof. Bahgat’s life. Family members, students, and colleagues shared their memories and tributes, including Eng. Hisham El-Dajani, her maternal uncle; Ambassador Kamal Bahgat Abdel-Motaal, her paternal uncle; Prof. Huda Mokhtar Omar, representing the university deans; Mr. Yasser Kazem, Secretary-General of the University; Dr. Essam Khalifa, Head of the Computer and Information Sciences Sector Committee; and  Abdelrahman Khaled Salah, President of EUI's Student Union.