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El-Faham, Mohamed Egypt         Mohamed El-Faham is a professor of Electrical Engineering at the Arab Academy of Science & Technology, Alexandria, Egypt. He received his BSc from the Alexandria University and his MSc and DSc from George Washington University. He is a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), and is author/co-author of a member of publications. As Director of CSSP, he organizes a number of major annual scientific and technological conferences, and supports young Egyptian researchers through establishing sustainable networks of international collaboration. Abstract Networks of International Collaboration: Keys to Research Advancement Enhancing science and technology in developing countries has become a true necessity and not a luxury. Strong science and technology capacities are essential in addressing critical issues facing the world today; such as poverty, hunger, disease, globalization and sustainable use of natural resources. A key element to improvement is research advancement. Unfortunately, research in the Arab countries faces many challenges, among which is the difficulty of keeping locally trained talents at home, or of attracting Arab nationals who have obtained their degrees at foreign institutions, chiefly in developed nations. These factors contribute to the so-called ‘brain drain’, which is a major obstacle to building and sustaining indigenous scientific talent. Another challenge faced is the deterioration of research quality within these countries once their scholars return from abroad, due to diminished collaboration with previous counterparts in the industrialized nations. Insufficient funding of research is also a difficulty, that must be tackled. The need for partnerships, and networks of collaboration is, therefore, manifest. Bibliotheca Alexandrina is committed to catalyzing the progress of science and technology in the region, and through its Center for Special Studies and Programs (CSSP), has launched a research grant program to fund outstanding young postdoctoral scientists in Egypt, who undertake collaborative projects across the science and technology spectrum. The program tackles the unavailability of sufficient financing while evading bureaucracy faced by researchers in acquiring of funds. It also bestows equal opportunities to all researchers, for selection is based on research excellence and not seniority. CSSP is a hub, creating and sustaining networks of international collaboration. It recognizes the pool of untapped potential available in young scientists and by their bolstering, aims to empower the nation’s research and knowledge capacities. It is these points that the paper addresses.