The American University in Cairo (AUC) in cooperation with the Zewail Science and Technology City has established a new Centre for Nano-Electronics and Devices, which will bring together internationally renowned scientists from both institutions, according to an AUC press release issued Sunday.

The centre's work will focus primarily on the design and engineering of consumer electronic devices and tiny sensors, built at the nano-scale of one billionth of a meter. The new technology can be applied to several vital fields, including the medical, food production, water purification and renewable energy sectors.

The centre also aims to establish strong links between academia and industry in a variety of fields pertaining to nano-technology.

Highlighting the importance of the new partnership, AUC Provost Medhat Haroun noted: "We are especially pleased that our first collaboration with Zewail City is in the area of nano-electronics."

The partnership represents a first step towards long-term cooperation between the two academic institutions. In addition to the exchange of researchers, the partnership also includes fellowships for promising students.

The new centre plans to capitalise on the state-of-the-art scientific facilities and resources available at both AUC and Zewail City, particularly in the area of biotechnology and biomedical diagnostics.