letter from

Bi-monthly Perioidical/ 15th Issue / August 2016

The Legend of

1 Bi-monthly Perioidical/ 15th Issue / August 2016 Editorial Table of contents In honor of Ahmed Zewail, pioneer of Letter from Cairo A bi-monthly periodical on the p.4 current political, economic, and femtochemistry (1946-2016) cultural developments in Egypt, world obel Prize laureate Ahmed Zewail passed away on 2 August at the age of 70 in the US; he Issued by Foreign Information Sector Nhad been suffering from spinal cancer. His dying wish was to be buried in his homeland. mourn Thousands of Egyptians headed by President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi gathered to bid farewell to Zewail State Information Service in a magnificent state funeral. Arab Republic of Egypt Ahmed Zewail Zewail was born on 26 February 1946 in Damanhour. He earned a BSc and MA in chemistry from Alexandria University before obtaining his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. He undertook postdoctoral research at California University where he worked at the California Institute of Technology from 1976 till 1990. He was the first Linus Pauling Chair in chemical physics. In 1995, Zewail Chairman of SIS received Egypt’s highest honor, the Grand Collar of the Nile. In 1999, Zewail received the Nobel Ambassador p.8 Prize in chemistry “for his studies of the transition states of chemical reactions using femtosecond spectroscopy”. Zewail became the third Egyptian to receive a Nobel Prize following late president Anwar Al-Sadat (1978 in Peace) and Naguib Mahfouz (1988 in Literature); Mohamed El-Baradei Salah A Elsadek followed (2005 in Peace). Apart from the Nobel Prize, he was the recipient of numerous other honors, including the Albert Zewail’s lasting legacy for Einstein World Award, the Leonardo da Vinci Award, the Robert Welch Award, the King Faisal Prize, the Franklin Prize and the Wolf Prize. He was an honorary doctor in 50 universities. Like Madame humanity Curie, Mendeleev, and Faraday he is one of the few scientists to hold honorary doctorates from both Editor-in-Chief Oxford and Cambridge: he became an honorary fellow of St Catherine’s College, Oxford, and of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge. He was a foreign member of the Royal Society and of most Abdel Mo'ti Abu Zeid other national academies in the world. He was particularly proud to be a fellow of the American Philosophical Society, founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743. For several years, along with the p.10 Belgian Nobel laureate Christian de Duve, he played a leading role in the UNESCO L’Oreal Prize for Executive Editor Women in Science. Nashwa Abdel Hamid In 2009, President Obama appointed him to the Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. 70 years of During Obama’s speech at Cairo University on 4 June 2009, he announced a new Science Envoy accomplishments… programme as part of a “new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world”. In January 2010, Zewail among others became the first US science envoys to Islam, visiting Muslim- The journey from majority countries from North Africa to Southeast Asia. In 2013, the secretary general of the United Editor Damanhur to Nobel Prize Nations, Ban Ki-moon, invited Zewail to join the UN Scientific Advisory Board. Mostafa Ahmady Zewail had proposed a project, the City of Science and Technology, to train Egyptians at the cutting edge of science and technology. The Zewail City of Science and Technology was established as a nonprofit, independent institution of learning, research and innovation, with the government’s role limited to providing the land and facilitating the construction of the complex on 1,200 square kilometres in 6 October City. A man of boundless energy and a deep commitment to advancing science Layout p.26 in the Arab world, in particular, for the betterment of humanity, Zewail had a passionate devotion to continuous scientific research and a relentless desire to excel. He believed that “ignorance is the real Nisreen Ahmed enemy of humanity,” and had a reputation for virtually living in his laboratory as he inspired devoted student followers. A loss not only to Egypt but to all humanity: The death of Nobel laureate Ahmed Zewail leaves us in awe of his achievements. A humble, unassuming man, he led a life dedicated to science; and it is through the example of his dedication that we should look to the future. Zewail City for Science and Technology: Zewail is survived by his wife, Dema Faham, and his four children, two daughters Maha, Amani, Egypt’s scientific excellence national project two sons Nabeel, and Hani.

2 3 SIS Website: http://sis.gov.eg Email: [email protected] Scores of citizens and students of Zewail City of Science and Technology held a popular funeral for chemist and Nobel laureate Ahmed Zewail, who died in Farewell Zewail the US at the age of 70. Earlier in the day, a military funeral was held for Zewail at Field Marshal Tantawi mosque that was led by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. A host of university professors and representatives Egyptian mourners surrounding the coffin of Zewail of different media outlets were present at the funeral. Students wore T-shirts carrying the name of Zewail during the funeral. Members of the Parliament observed a minute of silence in honor of Egyptian Nobel laureate Ahmed Zewail. During the general session, House of Representatives Speaker Ali Abdel Aal grieved the late renowned chemist who is widely considered as one of the best modern scientists in the field of Egypt, World Mourn science and technology, thanks to his achievements. Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry mourned the death of Egyptian Nobel laureate Ahmed Zewail. Loss of Ahmed Zewail Zewail has always been an idol to generations for his scientific achievements that were crowned with winning the Nobel Prize in 1999, to become the first Egyptian and Arab to receive President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (R) comforts relatives of Ahmed Zewail during a military the internationally prestigious funeral ceremony at El-Mosheer Tantawy Mosque in Cairo, Egypt, August 7, 2016 award in chemistry, Shoukry said. At the personal level, he was a man of high values President Abdel Fattah El- Muslim Council of Elders and that made him a great example Sisi led the military funeral of former Egyptian Mufti Ali representing Egypt at different Nobel laureate Ahmed Zewail at Gomaa as well as a number international events, he said. Field Marshal Tantawi mosque of state officials and members Despite his internationally- in Tagammu el Khames, New of Zewail family were present. esteemed stature, Zewail was Cairo. Prime Minister Sherif Zewail’s coffin was wrapped never too busy for his country, Ismail, Grand Imam of Azhar especially in the last years, in Egypt’s flag and put on a Ahmed el Tayyeb, Minister of as he was extremely keen to Defense and Minilitary Production horse-driven wagon and martial materialize the Zewail City Sedqi Sobhi, former President music was played during the of Science and Technology Adli Mansour, member of the funeral procession. to become a beacon of light

4 Opposite page: President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi heads mourners at Ahmed Zewail’s military funeral. Photo 5 Courtesy of the Spokesman of Egyptian Presidency official Facebook page to Egypt’s future scientists, he dedication to pushing the frontiers loss of one of the most prominent “Ahmed Zewail was a great instrumental in reshaping the the Egyptian renewed scientist added. His scientific, moral and of science and technology for figures in Egypt and one of the man for chemistry, for science, scientific sphere. Our world Zewail. Also, it offered its sincere human heritage will live on, human welfare, and his legacy most renowned scientists around and for society. All of us at has, undoubtedly, lost one of its condolences to the family, loved he concluded. as a philanthropist, will continue the world: Dr. Ahmed Zewail, Caltech grieve his loss,” says most valuable resources. Zewail ones of the deceased and the to inspire us all. We will honor member of the Bibliotheca Jacqueline K. Barton, Arthur is featured in the permanent Egyptian people. The Arab Woman Organization his memory by rededicating Alexandrina Advisory Board and Marian Hanisch Memorial Making An Impact exhibit at (AWO) and the National Council ourselves to instilling among and Founding Member of its Professor of Chemistry and Norman AANM, and his book, Voyage The Islamic Educational, for Human Rights (NCHR) our students Dr. Zewail’s own Board of Trustees (2001–2006), Davidson Leadership Chair of through Time: Walks of Life to Scientific and Cultural Organization mourned the demise of Nobel rigorous quest for knowledge who passed away on Tuesday, the Division of Chemistry and the Nobel Prize (The American (ISESCO) mourned the death Prize winner Ahmed Zewail. and its application for the benefit 2 August 2016. May he rest Chemical Engineering. University in Cairo Press, 2004), of Egyptian-American scientist of all humankind.” in peace. is part of AANM’s Russell J. Dr. Ahmed Zewail. A statement The death of the Egyptian A eulogy posted on the web Ebeid Library & Resource by ISESCO said: “Dr. Zewail, renewed scientist is a big grief “Ahmed Zewail leaves “Ahmed was the quintessential site of Zewail’s eponymous City Center. Postage stamps, issued a professor of chemistry and to Egypt and the Arab nation as behind a legacy of extraordinary scholar and global citizen,” says of Science and Technology in 1998 in Zewail’s native Egypt physics at the California Institute he was one of the first scientists achievements; he was an icon in Caltech president Thomas F. stated: “It is with utmost to honor his contributions to of Technology (Caltech), was a who made great contributions at the world of science,” said Richard sadness that we bid farewell Rosenbaum, the Sonja and science and humanity, are also great and outstanding scientist the scientific and humanitarian Bartlett, chair of AUC’s Board to our leader, founder and the in his field, where he received William Davidow Presidential featured in AANM’s permanent levels, Secretary General of the of Trustees. “He was also an source of inspiration. Dr. Zewail’s the Chair and professor of physics. archive. “The Arab American AWO Mervat Tallawy said. Also, AUC trustee for 17 years, deeply dedication to Egypt’s National in 1999 for his studies of the “He spent a lifetime developing National Museum is deeply she offered her condolences committed to the University’s Project made our dreams and saddened by the passing of Dr. transition states of chemical instruments that interrogate nature to the Egyptian people, its mission of education and service work possible. Dr. Zewail was Ahmed Zewail,” said AANM reactions using femtosecond in fundamentally new ways, and leadership and the family of in Egypt and the region. We a pillar of hope and a beacon Director Devon Akmon. “In spectroscopy.” ISESCO considered the late chemist. will miss his companionship, defining new directions that cut of optimism not only for us but addition to generously serving the death of Dr. Zewail as “a enthusiasm and devotion for across the physical and biological for our beloved country and the as an honorary member of the great loss to science in general In a related context, the science and scientific progress, sciences. Ahmed’s fervor for world as well.” It continued: Museum’s National Advisory and chemistry in particular”. NCHR grieved the death of and unwavering support of AUC.” discovery never abated and “Words undoubtedly fail to Board, Dr. Zewail’ s work as a The organization offered its Zewail who is regarded as he serves as an inspiration to capture the gravity of the situation. leader and pioneering scientist condolences to his family and one of diligent scientists whose With a heavy heart, the colleagues and generations of However, it is our collective made an impact throughout the all who know and appreciated discoveries played a great role Bibliotheca Alexandrina students. The Caltech community duty now to fulfill the mission world. Our thoughts and prayers Zewail. It is noteworthy that in the progress of humanity in management and staff mourn the deeply mourns his loss.” that we are entrusted with. The go out to Dr. Zewail’s wife and ISESCO had presented its First the fields of Chemistry and work in Zewail City, Egypt’s family.” Order Prize to Dr. Ahmed Zewail Physics. Furthermore, the NCHR National Project, will move at the First Islamic Conference expressed its condolences to forward despite our irrevocable The U.S. Embassy in Cairo of Ministers of Higher Education the family of the well-known immense loss.” joins Egyptians, Americans, and Scientific Research, held scientist, his students and the and friends around the world in Riyadh in October 2000. Egyptian people. The leadership, board and in mourning the passing of Custodian of the Two Holy staff at ACCESS and the Arab Ahmed Zewail, a leading Mosques King Salman, who “Ahmed Zewail was an American National Museum contributor to the world of was the then governor of extraordinarily esteemed (AANM) joined the Arab American science. In addition to winning Riyadh region, handed over scientist, not only in Egypt, but and scientific communities in the Nobel Prize for his path the decoration to Dr. Zewail. around the world,” said AUC mourning the loss of Dr. Ahmed breaking contributions to the President Francis J. Ricciardone. Zewail. As a testament to his field of Chemistry in 1999, we The UAE Chemical Society “Egyptians and Americans monumental impact, ACCESS fondly remember Dr. Zewail as has mourned the death of Dr. alike are proud to claim him awarded Dr. Zewail with its Arab a member of President Obama’s Ahmed Zewail, the Egyptian as their own countryman. He American of the Year award Presidential Council of Advisors scientist, who won the 1999 personified the magic that can in 2010. “Ahmed Zewail was on Science and Technology, a Nobel Prize for his work on the happen when Egyptians and a visionary, a pioneer and a press release by the embassy study of chemical reactions over Americans study, work and live giant in his own regard,” said reads. immensely short time scales. among each other in passionate ACCESS Deputy Executive dedication to research, learning Director and CFO Maha Freij. The Dutch Embassy in Cairo In June 2013, Zewail announced and teaching. We at AUC are “His contributions to humankind, mourned the demise of Nobel he was suffering from a cancerous honored to have shared special as a whole, extend far beyond Prize winner Ahmed Zewail. tumor in the spinal cord but affinities with him, and to have his chosen field of study. He Posting on its Facebook page, later he announced that he was benefited from his wisdom was outspoken on a number the Dutch embassy expressed its able to overcome the critical and generosity. His lifelong An officer carries the Order of the Grand Collar of the Nile, which was given of political issues, and was deep sorrow over the death of state of the disease. before to Zewail during his military funeral ceremony 6 7 To appreciate the magnitude of the advance that Zewail introduced to chemistry one has to ponder the minuteness of the time intervals that he could routinely employ with his special lasers: a femtosecond is a millionth of a billionth of a second. It is one second divided by 10 to the power of 15. By brilliantly deploying time intervals this small to do ultrafast photography of atom movements of both inorganic and organic molecules in the gas phase, Zewail brought about a revolution in chemistry and adjacent sciences. He showed how in tracking the course of atomic rearrangements that take place in chemical reactions he could explore the dynamics, in unprecedented detail, of individual atoms involved at the instant of rupture or formation of chemical bonds. Because chemical reactions last only 10 to 100 femtoseconds (fs)—one femtosecond is 0.000000000000001 second, or 10-15—many believed it Zewail’s lasting would be impossible to study the events that constitute a reaction. In the late 1980s, however, Zewail was able to view the motion of atoms and molecules using a method based legacy for Zewail after receiving his Nobel Prize from His Majesty Swedish King Carl The Royal Swedish Academy of on new laser technology capable XVI Gustaf at the Concert Hall in Stockholm, Sweden 1999 Sciences has awarded the 1999 No- of producing light flashes just bel Prize in Chemistry to Professor tens of femtoseconds in duration. molecules. Zewail’s discovery the world over are studying Ahmed H. Zewail, California Insti- During the process, known as enabled scientists to gain more femtosecond spectroscopy, processes with femtosecond tute of Technology, Pasadena, USA control over the outcome of humanity molecules were mixed together spectroscopy in gases, in fluids thechemical reaction, and it for showing that it is possible with and in solids, on surfaces and in a vacuum tube in which an was expected to have many rapid laser technique to see how atoms in a molecule move during a chemical reaction. At in polymers. Applications range ultrafast laser beamed two pulses. applications. the ceremony in Stockholm in December 1999 when Ahmed Zewail was the sole winner of The first pulse supplied the energy from how catalysts function the Nobel Prize for Chemistry that year, Professor Bengt Norden of Chalmers University of for the reaction and the second With femtosecond spectroscopy and how molecular electronic Technology, Gothenburg, a member of the Nobel Committee, introduced the recipient with examined the ongoing action. we can for the first time observe components must be designed, the following words: “Zewail’s use of the fast laser technique can be likened to Galileo’s use The characteristic spectra, or light in ‘slow motion’ what happens as to the most delicate mechanisms of his telescope, which he directed towards everything that lit up the vault of heaven. Zewail patterns, from the molecules the reaction barrier is crossed,” the in life processes and how the tried his femtosecond laser on literally everything that moved in the world of molecules. He were then studied to determine Nobel Assembly said. “Scientists medicines of the future should turned his telescope towards the frontiers of science.” the structural changes of the be produced.”

8 9 Ahmed Hassan Zewail was born in Damanhur, a city about 100 miles northwest of Cairo, on February 26 1946, and grew up in nearby Desouk. His interest in the physical sciences began in Ahmed childhood and was encouraged by his mother, who allowed him to use her coffee-making apparatus to carry out chemical experiments in his bedroom. “I still remember this vividly,” he recalled, “not only for Zewail’s the science, but also for the danger of burning down our house!” On the door of his room his mother hung a sign, “Dr Ahmed”. Autobiography He studied Chemistry at Alexandria University, then, since there was Zewail as a youngster, seen here dressed for a no government funding available, formal photo at age 12 managed to pull together a clutch On the banks of the Nile, of fellowships and scholarships the Rosetta branch, I lived an to enable him to travel to the enjoyable childhood in the City US. He took a doctorate from of Disuq, which is the home the University of Pennsylvania of the famous mosque, Sidi in 1974. After postdoctoral research Ibrahim. I was born (February at the University of California, 26, 1946) in nearby Damanhur, Berkeley, in 1976 he joined Caltech the “City of Horus”, only as an assistant professor and later 60 km from Alexandria. In became the first holder of a chair retrospect, it is remarkable named after the double Nobel- that my childhood origins were Prizewinner Linus Pauling. flanked by two great places - Rosetta, the city where the From 1982 he held dual American famous Stone was discovered, and Egyptian citizenship and he and Alexandria, the home of served as a member of President ancient learning. The dawn of Obama’s science and technology my memory begins with my advisory panel, from 2009 to 2013, days, at Disuq’s preparatory and also as the president’s special school. I am the only son in Zewail as a graduate at at the University Of 70 years envoy for science to the Middle a family of three sisters and Pennsylvania, circa 1973 East. two loving parents. My father was liked and respected by Zewail campaigned to raise the city community - he was money for a new science-based helpful, cheerful and very of accomplishments… university and research campus much enjoyed his life. He near Cairo. In an article in the worked for the government Independent in 2006, he called on and also had his own business. the Arab world not to be distracted My mother, a good-natured, The journey from by “the ideologies of the past and contented person, devoted all conspiracy theories of the future” but her life to her children and, in to forge a new “jihad for modernity particular, to me. She was central and enlightenment”. The Zewail to my “walks of life” with her Damanhur to Nobel Prize City of Science and Technology kindness, total devotion and was inaugurated in 2011. native intelligence. Although Zewail’s research advanced ultrafast imaging in biology and materials science via laser-driven electron microscopy methods 10 Above: Zewail as the commencement speaker, «Revolutions in Science and Society», at Caltech 11 One Hundred Seventeenth Annual Commencement, June 10, 2011 our immediate family is small, East) had a major influence much emphasis was placed faculty, I probably would not phenomena in the clearest and the Zewails are well known on my appreciation of music. on memorization of subjects, have insisted on the faculty simplest way. The students in Damanhur. On the first Thursday of each names and the like, and for of science. But this passion (500 or more) enriched this Click to view Banquet Speech by Ahmed Zewail month we listened to Um reasons unknown (to me), my for science became evident sense with the appreciation The family’s dream was to Kulthum’s concert - “waslats” mind kept asking “how” and on the first day I went to the they expressed. At the age see me receive a high degree (three songs) - for more than “why”. This characteristic has campus in Maharem Bek with of 21, as a Moeid, I believed abroad and to return to become three hours. During all of persisted from the beginning my uncle - I had tears in my eyes that behind every universal a university professor - on my study years in Egypt, the of my life. In my teens, I recall as I felt the greatness of the phenomenon there must be the door to my study room, music of this unique figure feeling a thrill when I solved a university and the sacredness beauty and simplicity in its a sign was placed reading, gave me a special happiness, difficult problem in mechanics, of its atmosphere. My grades description. This belief remains “Dr. Ahmed,” even though I and her voice was often in the for instance, considering all of throughout the next four years true today. was still far from becoming background while I was studying the tricky operational forces of reflected this special passion. a doctor. My father did live mathematics, chemistry... etc. a car going uphill or downhill. In the first year, I took four On the research side, I to see that day, but a dear After three decades I still have Even though chemistry required courses, mathematics, physics, finished the requirements uncle did not. Uncle Rizk was the same feeling and passion some memorization, I was chemistry, and geology, and my for a Masters in Science in special in my boyhood years for her music. In America, the intrigued by the “mathematics of grades were either excellent about eight months. The tool and I learned much from him only music I have been able chemistry”. It provides laboratory or very good. Similarly, in the was spectroscopy, and I was - an appreciation for critical to appreciate on this level phenomena which, as a boy, second year I scored very excited about developing an analyses, an enjoyment of is classical, and some jazz. I wanted to reproduce and highly (excellent) in Chemistry understanding of how and music, and of intermingling with Reading was and still is my understand. In my bedroom I and was chosen for a group why the spectra of certain the masses and intellectuals real joy. constructed a small apparatus, of seven students (called molecules change with solvents. alike; he was respected for his out of my mother’s oil burner “special chemistry”), an elite This is an old subject, but to wisdom, financially well-to-do, As a boy it was clear that my (for making Arabic coffee) and science group. I graduated me it involved a new level of and self-educated. Culturally, inclinations were toward the a few glass tubes, in order to with the highest honors - understanding that was quite my interests were focused - physical sciences. Mathematics, see how wood is transformed “Distinction with First Class modern in our department. reading, music, some sports mechanics, and chemistry into a burning gas and a liquid Honor” - with above 90% in My research advisors were and playing backgammon. were among the fields that substance. I still remember all areas of chemistry. With three: The head of the inorganic The great singer Um Kulthum gave me a special satisfaction. this vividly, not only for the these scores, i was awarded, section, Professor Tahany (actually named Kawkab Social sciences were not as science, but also for the danger as a student, a stipend every Salem and Professors Rafaat Elsharq - a superstar of the attractive because in those days of burning down our house! month of approximately £13, Issa and Samir El Ezaby, with It is not clear why I developed which was close to that of a whom I worked most closely; this attraction to science at university graduate who made they suggested the research such an early stage. £17 at the time! problem to me, and this research .resulted in several publications باولنج« الذى حصل على جائزة نوبل After finishing high school, I After graduating with the I was ready to think about my of Bachelor of Science, Ph.D. research (called “research مرتني degree األوىل فى ,In Egypt الكمياء والثانية فى .applied to universities appointed to a University point”) after one year of being السالم.you send your application to I was a central Bureau (Maktabً ً Elً position as a demonstrator a Moeid. Professors El Ezaby (a to carry on research graduate of Utah) and Yehia El - عمل ,(”Moeid“) أستاذا زائراto your متميزا فى according أكثر Tansiq), and (a Masters and then Tantawy (a graduate of Penn م��ن toward 10 ج��ام��ع��ات a ب��ال��ع��امل assigned إىل are جانب grades, you degree, and to teach encouraged me to go abroad اجلامعة.a Ph.D األمريكية on your بالقاهرة.university, hopefully list of choice. In the sixties, undergraduates at the University to complete my Ph.D. work. Engineering, Medicine, Pharmacy, of Alexandria. This was a tenured All the odds were against my and Science were tops. I position, guaranteeing a faculty going to America. First, I did was admitted to Alexandria appointment at the University. not have the connections University and to the faculty In teaching, I was successful abroad. Second, the 1967 war of science. Here, luck played to the point that, although had just ended and American a crucial role because I had not yet a professor, I gave stocks in Egypt were at their little to do with Maktab El “professorial lectures” to help lowest value, so study missions Tansiq’s decision, which gave students after the Professor were only sent to the USSR or me the career I still love most: had given his lecture. Through Eastern European countries. science. At the time, I did not this experience I discovered I had to obtain a scholarship know the depth of this feeling, an affinity and enjoyment of directly from an American A conversation with Nobel Laureate Ahmed Zewail on his breakthrough idea on how science can help solve global challenges and, if accepted to another explaining science and natural University. After corresponding

12 13 with a dozen universities, the collaborations with many able able to provide the scientific of pairs of molecules, called University of Pennsylvania scientists, were both enjoyable atmosphere I had enjoyed in dimers, and to measure their and a few others offered me and profitable. My publication the U.S. A few more years in coherence with the new tools scholarships, providing the list was increasing, but just as America would give me and my available at Berkeley. Professor tuition and paying a monthly importantly, I was learning new family two opportunities: First, Charles Harris was traveling stipend (some $300). There things literally every day - in I could think about another to Holland for an extensive were still further obstacles chemistry, in physics and in area of research in a different stay, but when he returned to against travel to America other fields. The atmosphere place (while learning to be Berkeley we enjoyed discussing (“Safer to America”). It took at the Laboratory for Research professorial!). Second, my science at late hours! His ideas enormous energy to pass the on the Structure of Matter salary would be higher than were broad and numerous, and regulatory and bureaucratic (LRSM) was most stimulating that of a graduate student, in some cases went beyond barriers. and I was enthusiastic about and we could then buy a big the scientific language I was researching in areas that crossed American car that would familiar with. Nevertheless, Arriving in the States, I had the disciplines of physics and be so impressive for the my general direction was the feeling of being thrown chemistry (sometimes too new Professor at Alexandria established. I immediately into an ocean. The ocean was enthusiastic!). My courses University! I applied for five saw the importance of the full of knowledge, culture, and were enjoyable too; I still positions, three in the U.S., concept of coherence. I decided opportunities, and the choice recall the series 501, 502, one in and one in to tackle the problem, and, in was clear: I could either learn 503 and the physics courses Holland, and all of them with a rather short time, acquired a to swim or sink. The culture I took with the Nobel Laureate, world-renowned professors. I rigorous theoretical foundation was foreign, the language was Bob Schrieffer. I was working received five offers and decided which was new to me. I believe difficult, but my hopes were almost “day and night,” and on Berkeley. that this transition proved high. I did not speak or write doing several projects at the vital in subsequent years of English fluently, and I did not same time: The Stark effect of Early in 1974 we went to my research. know much about western Berkeley, excited by the new culture in general or American simple molecules; the Zeeman effect of solids like NO2- and opportunities. Culturally, I wrote two papers with culture in particular. I remember moving from Philadelphia to Charles, one theoretical and a “cultural incident” that opened benzene; the optical detection of magnetic resonance (ODMR); Berkeley was almost as much of the other experimental. They my eyes to the new traditions a shock as the transition from were published in Physical I was experiencing right after double resonance techniques, etc. Now, thinking about it, I Alexandria to Philadelphia - Review. These papers were Ahmed Zewail, with the Othmer Gold Medal, awarded 14 May 2009, settling in Philadelphia. In Egypt, Berkeley was a new world! I saw followed by other work, and as boys, we used to kid each cannot imagine doing all of at the Chemical Heritage Foundation Telegraph Avenue for the first I extended the concept of other by saying “I’ll kill you”, this again, but of course then and good friends often said I was “young and innocent”. time, and this was sufficient to coherence to multidimensional such phrases jokingly. I became indicate the difference. I also systems, publishing my first friends with a sympathetic The research for my Ph.D. and met many graduate students independently authored paper American graduate student, the requirements for a degree whose language and behavior while at Berkeley. In collaboration and, at one point, jokingly said were essentially completed I had never seen before, with other graduate students, “I’ll kill you”. I immediately by 1973, when another war neither in Alexandria, nor in I also published papers on noticed his reserve and coolness, erupted in the Middle East. Philadelphia. I interacted well energy transfer in solids. I perhaps worrying that a fellow I had strong feelings about with essentially everybody, and enjoyed my interactions with from the Middle East might returning to Egypt to be a in some cases I guided some the students and professors, actually do it! University Professor, even graduate students. But I also and at Berkeley’s popular and though at the beginning of my learned from members of the well-attended physical chemistry My presence - as the Egyptian years in America my memories group. The obstacles did not seminars. Charles decided to at Penn - was starting to be felt of the frustrating bureaucracy seem as high as they had when offer me the IBM Fellowship by the professors and students encountered at the time of I came to the University of that was only given to a few in as my scores were high, and I my departure were still vivid. Pennsylvania because culturally the department. He strongly also began a successful course With time, things change, and and scientifically I was better felt that I should get a job at of research. I owe much to my I recollected all the wonderful equipped. Berkeley was a great one of the top universities research advisor, Professor Robin years of my childhood and place for science - the BIG in America, or at least have Hochstrasser, who was, and still the opportunities Egypt had science. In the laboratory, my the experience of going to the is, a committed scientist and provided to me. Returning was aim was to utilize the expertise interviews; I am grateful for educator. The diverse research important to me, but I also I had gained from my Ph.D. his belief in me. I only applied problems I worked on, and the knew that Egypt would not be work on the spectroscopy to a few places and thought

14 15 I had no chance at talks went well and I even right place for me. that my portrait, next to the these top universities. received some undeserved pyramids, would be on a postage During the process, I praise for style. At one point, My biological children were stamp or that the school I went contacted Egypt, and I was speaking about what is all “made in America”. I have to as a boy and the road to I also considered the known as the FVH, picture of two daughters, Maha, a Ph.D. Rosetta would be named after American University in coherence, where F stands for student at the University of me. Certainly, as a youngster Beirut (AUB). Although Feynman, the famous Caltech Texas, Austin, and Amani, a in love with science, I had no I visited some places, physicist and Nobel Laureate. junior at Berkeley, both of dreams about the honor of nothing was finalized, I went to the board to write whom I am very proud. I met the Nobel Prize. and I was preparing the name and all of a sudden Dema, my wife, by a surprising myself for the return. I was stuck on the spelling. chance, a fairy tale. In 1988 After the awarding of the Meanwhile, I was busy Half way through, I turned to it was announced that I was Nobel Prize in 1999, I continued and excited about the audience and said, “you a winner of the King Faisal to serve as a faculty member the new research I know how to spell Feynman”. International Prize. In March at the California Institute of was doing. Charles A big laugh erupted, and the of 1989, I went to receive the Technology (Caltech) as the decided to build a audience thought I was joking award from Saudi Arabia, and Linus Pauling Chair Professor picosecond laser, - I wasn’t! After receiving there I met Dema; her father of Chemistry and Professor of and two of us in the several offers, the time had was receiving the same prize Physics, and the Director of group were involved come to make up my mind, in literature. We met in March, the Physical Biology Center for in this hard and “non- but I had not yet heard from got engaged in July and married Ultrafast Science and Technology profitable” direction of Caltech. I called the Head of in September, all of the same (UST) and the NSF Laboratory research (!); I learned the Search Committee, now year, 1989. Dema has her M.D. for Molecular Sciences (LMS). from Damascus University, and a great deal about the a colleague of mine, and he Current research is devoted completed a Master’s degree principles of lasers was lukewarm, encouraging to dynamical chemistry and in Public Health at UCLA. We biology, with a focus on the and their physics. me to accept other offers. have two young sons, Nabeel Zewail with 1988 Nobel prizewinning novelist Naguib Mahfouz and infamous However, shortly after this, physics of elementary processes During this period, and Hani, and both bring joy and in complex systems. A major Egyptian poet Abdel Rahaman el-Abnudi I was contacted by Caltech with excitement to our life. Dema many of the top a very attractive offer, asking research frontier is the new universities announced is a wonderful mother, and me to visit with my family. is my friend and confidante. development of “4D ultrafast new positions, and We received the red carpet diffraction and microscopy”, Charles asked me to treatment, and that visit did The journey from Egypt making possible the imaging apply. I decided to cost Caltech! I never regretted to America has been full of of transient structures in space send applications the decision of accepting the surprises. As a Moeid, I was and time with atomic-scale to nearly a dozen Caltech offer. unaware of the Nobel Prize in resolution. places and, at the the way I now see its impact in end, after interviews My science family came from the West. We used to gather I have also devoted some and enjoyable visits, all over the world, and members around the TV or read in the time to giving public lectures in I was offered an were of varied backgrounds, newspaper about the recognition order to enhance awareness of Assistant Professorship cultures, and abilities. The of famous Egyptian scientists the value of knowledge gained at many, including diversity in this “small world” and writers by the President, from fundamental research, Harvard, Caltech, I worked in daily provided the and these moments gave me and helping the population of Chicago, Rice, and most stimulating environment, and my friends a real thrill developing countries through Northwestern. My with many challenges and much - maybe one day we would the promotion of science and interview at Caltech optimism. Over the years, my be in this position ourselves technology for the betterment had gone well, despite research group has had close for achievements in science of society. Because of the the experience of an to 150 graduate students, or literature. Some decades unique East-West cultures exhausting two days, postdoctoral fellows, and later, when President Mubarak that I represent, I wrote a visiting each half visiting associates. Many of them bestowed on me the Order of book Voyage Through Time - hour with a different are now in leading academic, Merit, first class, and the Grand Walks of Life to the Nobel Prize faculty member in industrial and governmental Collar of the Nile (“Kiladate El hoping to share the experience, chemistry and chemical positions. Working with such Niel”), the highest State honor, especially with young people, engineering. The visit minds in a village of science it brought these emotional and to remind them that it is Nobel Laureate Ahmed Zewail shows his award with family members after the award was exciting, surprising has been the most rewarding boyhood days back to my possible! This book is in 12 ceremony in Stockholm on December 10, 1999 and memorable. The experience - Caltech was the memory. I never expected editions and languages, so far.

16 17 For his contributions to science and for his public service, the Priestley Gold Medal. In his name, international prizes have been Zewail received honors from around the globe. Fifty honorary Special Honors established in Amsterdam, Cairo, Detroit, Trieste, and Washington, D.C.; degrees in the sciences, arts, philosophy, law, medicine, and in Cairo, the AZ Foundation provides support for the dissemination of humane letters were conferred on him, including those from knowledge and for merit awards in arts and sciences. Oxford University, Cambridge University, Peking University, • Prizes and Awards École Normale Supérieure, Yale University, University of • Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Fellow (1978-1982). Pennsylvania, and Alexandria University. • Camille and Henry Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar Award (1979-1985). Zewail was decorated with the Order of the Grand Collar of the Nile, Egypt’s highest state honor, and was named to the • Alexander von Humboldt Award for Senior United States Scientists Order of Légion d’Honneur by the President of , among (1983). other state honors. He was an elected member of academies and • National Science Foundation Award for especially creative research learned societies including the National Academy of Sciences, the (1984; 1988; 1993). Royal Society of London, the American Philosophical Society, the • Buck-Whitney Medal, American Chemical Society (1985). French Academy, the Russian Academy, the Chinese Academy, and the Swedish Academy. Postage stamps have been issued in • John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellow (1987). commemoration of his contributions to science and humanity. • Harrison Howe Award, American Chemical Society (1989). • King Faisal International Prize in Science (1989). • Carl Zeiss International Award, Germany (1992). • First Linus Pauling Chair, Caltech (1990). • Earle K. Plyler Prize, American Physical Society (1993). • King Faisal International Prize in Science (1989). • Medal of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Holland • Wolf Prize in Chemistry (1993). (1993). • Order of Merit, first class (Sciences & Arts), from President Mubarak • Bonner Chemiepreis, Germany (1994). (1995). • Herbert P. Broida Prize, American Physical Society (1995). • Robert A. Welch Award in Chemistry (1997). • Leonardo Da Vinci Award of Excellence, France (1995). • Benjamin Franklin Medal, Franklin Institute, USA (1998). • Collége de France Medal, France (1995). • Egypt Postage Stamps, with Portrait (1998); the Fourth Pyramid (1999). • Peter Debye Award, American Chemical Society (1996). • Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1999). • National Academy of Sciences Award, Chemical Sciences, USA (1996). • Grand Collar of the Nile, Highest State Honor, conferred by President • J.G. Kirkwood Medal, Yale University (1996). Mubarak (1999). • Peking University Medal, PU President, Beijing, China (1996). • Postage Stamp, issued by the country of Ghana (2002). • Pittsburgh Spectroscopy Award (1997). • Ahmed Zewail Fellowships, University of Pennsylvania (2000–). • First E.B. Wilson Award, American Chemical Society (1997). • Highest Order of the State from United Arab Emirates, Sudan, Tunisia, Lebanon (2000–). • Linus Pauling Medal Award (1997). • Ahmed Zewail Prize, American University in Cairo (2001–). • Richard C. Tolman Medal Award (1998). • Ahmed Zewail Prize for Creativity in the Arts, Opera House, Cairo • William H. Nichols Medal Award (1998). (2004–). • Paul Karrer Gold Medal, University of Zürich, (1998). • Zewail Foundation for Knowledge and Development, Cairo (2004–). • E.O. Lawrence Award, U.S. Government (1998). • Ahmed Zewail Prizes for Excellence and Leadership, ICTP, Trieste, • Merski Award, University of Nebraska (1999). Italy (2004–). • Röntgen Prize, (100th Anniversary of the Discovery of X-rays), Germany • Ahmed Zewail Award for Ultrafast Science and Technology, American (1999). Chemical Society (2005–). • Faye Robiner Award, Ross University School of Medicine, New York • Among the more than 100 international prizes and awards, he was the Ahmed H. Zewail after receiving the Collar of the Nile in 1999 (2000). recipient of the World Award, the Benjamin Franklin • Golden Plate Award, American Academy of Achievement (2000). Medal, the Leonardo da Vinci Award, the Robert A. Welch Award, the Wolf Prize, the King Faisal Prize, the Othmer Gold Medal, and • City of Pisa Medal, City Mayor, Pisa, Italy (2000).

18 19 • Medal of “La Sapienza” (“wisdom”), University of Rome (2000). • The Royal Academy of Belgium, Foreign Member (elected 2003). • Médaille de l’Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris, France (2000). • St. Catherine’s College, Honorary Fellow, Oxford, U.K. (elected 2004). • Honorary Medal, Universite Du Centre, Monastir, Tunisia (2000). • European Academy of Sciences, Honorary Member, Belgium (elected 2004). • Honorary Medal, City of Monastir, from The Mayor, Tunisia (2000). • The Literary & Historical Society, University College, Honorary Fellow, • Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Pennsylvania (2002). Dublin, Ireland (elected 2004). • G.M. Kosolapoff Award, The American Chemical Society (2002). • The National Society of High School Scholars, Honorary Member • Distinguished American Service Award, ADC, Washington D.C. (2002). Board of Advisors, U.S.A. (elected 2004). • Sir C.V. Raman Award, Kolkata, India (2002). • Academy of Sciences of Malaysia, Honorary Fellow (elected 2005). • Arab American Award, National Museum, Dearborn, Michigan (2004). • French Academy of Sciences, Foreign Member (elected 2005). • Gold Medal (Highest Honor), Burgos University, Burgos, Spain (2004). • Honorary Degrees • Grand Gold Medal, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovak Republic • Oxford University, UK (1991): M.A., h.c. (2005). • American University, Cairo, Egypt (1993): D.Sc., h.c. • Academies and Societies • Katholieke Universiteit, Leuven, Belgium (1997): D.Sc., h.c. • American Physical Society, Fellow (elected 1982). • University of Pennsylvania, USA (1997): D.Sc., h.c. • National Academy of Sciences, USA (elected 1989). • Université de Lausanne, Switzerland (1997): D.Sc., h.c. • Third World Academy of Sciences, Italy (elected 1989). • Swinburne University, Australia (1999): D.U., h.c. • Sigma Xi Society, USA (elected 1992). • Arab Academy for Science & Technology, Egypt (1999): H.D.A.Sc. • American Academy of Arts and Sciences (elected 1993). Nobel Diploma • Alexandria University, Egypt (1999): H.D.Sc. • Académie Européenne des Sciences, des Arts et des Lettres, France Artist: Nils G Stenqvist Calligrapher: Annika Rücker • University of New Brunswick, Canada (2000): Doctoris in Scientia, (elected 1994). D.Sc., h.c. • American Philosophical Society (elected 1998). • Universita di Roma “La Sapienza”, Italy (2000): D.Sc., h.c. • Pontifical Academy of Sciences (elected 1999). • Université de Liège, Belgium (2000): Doctor honoris causa, D., h.c. • American Academy of Achievement (elected 1999). • Jadavpur University, India (2001): D.Sc., h.c. • Royal Danish Academy of Sciences and Letters (elected 2000). • Concordia University, Montréal, Canada (2002): LLD, h.c. • American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Fellow • Heriot-Watt University, Scotland (2002): D.Sc., h.c. (elected 2000). • Pusan National University, Korea (2003): M.D., h.c. • Chemical Society of India, Honorary Fellow (elected 2001). • Lund University, Sweden (2003) : D.Ph., h.c. • Indian Academy of Sciences (elected 2001). • Bogaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey (2003): D.Sc., h.c. • The Royal Society of London, Foreign Member (elected 2001). • École Normale Supérieure, Paris, France (2003): D.Sc., h.c. • Sydney Sussex College, Honorary Fellow, Cambridge, U.K. (elected 2002). • Oxford University, (2004): D.Sc., h.c. • Indian National Science Academy, Foreign Fellow (elected 2002). • Peking University, People’s Republic of China (2004): H.D.D. • Korean Academy of Science and Technology, Honorary Foreign Member • Autonomous University of the State of , Toluca, Mexico (2004): (elected 2002). D., h.c • African Academy of Sciences, Honorary Fellow (elected 2002). • University of Dublin, Trinity College, Ireland (2004): D.Sc., h.c. • Royal Society of Chemistry, Honorary Fellow, UK (elected 2003). • Tohoku University, Sendai, (2005): H.D.D. • Russian Academy of Sciences, Foreign Member (elected 2003). • American University of Beirut, Lebanon (2005): D.H.L. • University of Buenos Aires, Argentina (2005): D., h.c. • The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Foreign Member (elected 2003). • National University of Cordoba, Argentina (2005): D., h.c.

20 21 Science as a shaper of global I felt the full force of this for some alarm, but also for diplomacy soft power when I came to considerable optimism. the United States from Egypt rticles in The U.S., admired worldwide in 1969 to begin graduate The alarming aspect comes for its leadership in technology, studies at the University of from the fact that education should pursue science diplomacy Pennsylvania. I discovered how in many Muslim-majority with Muslim-majority countries. science is truly a universal countries now seriously lags Such a policy could complement language, one that forges behind international standards. international efforts to promote human Deficiencies in education, new connections among rights. individuals and opens the mind together with widespread to ideas that go far beyond economic hardship and the June 27, 2010|Ahmed Zewail the classroom. My education lack of job opportunities for press here instilled in me greater young people, are sources Source: http://articles.latimes. com/2010/jun/27/opinion/ appreciation for the value of of frustration and despair la-oe-zewail-science-20100627 scholarly discourse and the in many Muslim societies. use of the scientific method in They are rooted largely in A In today’s world, America’s dealing with complex issues. poor governance and growing Ahmed Zewail, the Linus soft power is commonly It sowed, then nurtured, new corruption, compounded thought to reside in the global seeds of political and cultural by overpopulation and by Pauling Chair professor of popularity of Hollywood movies, tolerance. movement away from the enlightened education I was Ahmed Zewail Op-Ed chemistry and a professor Coca-Cola, McDonald’s and of physics at the California Starbucks. But the facts tell a But perhaps most significant fortunate enough to enjoy in in LA Times - Science different story. In a recent poll was that I came to appreciate Egypt in the 1960s. Institute of Technology involving 43 countries, 79% of the extent to which science as a shaper of global respondents said that what embodies the core values of Yet there are many positive contributed an op-ed piece they most admire about the what the American founders signs as well. Muslim-majority diplomacy to the Los Angeles Times United States is its leadership called “the rights of man” as set countries such as Malaysia, in science and technology. forth in the U.S. Constitution: Turkey and Qatar are making dealing with the power The artifacts of the American significant strides in education of science to shape global entertainment industry came in Freedom of thought and and in technical and economic a distant second. In the 1970s, speech, which are essential development. Egypt, Iraq, Syria, diplomacy. Prof. Zewail is what I, as a young foreign to creative advancement in the Lebanon, Morocco and Indonesia also a member of the CNSI student studying in the United sciences; and the commitment are examples of countries still States, found most dynamic, to equality of opportunity, rich with youthful talents. Nor External Advisory Board. In exciting and impressive about because scientific achievement is this transfer of wealth and January President Obama this country is what much of is blind to ethnicity, race or learning flowing exclusively the world continues to value cultural background. from the West to the East. appointed Prof. Zewail most about the U.S. today: its Today there are many Muslims as the US science envoy open intellectual culture, its In January, appointed by in the West who have excelled to the Middle East, and great universities, its capacity President Obama as America’s in all fields of endeavor. These for discovery and innovation. first science envoy to the accomplishments and the this op-ed piece reflects Middle East, I embarked on values they represent can help By harnessing the soft power a diplomatic tour that took the Muslim world recover its his plans to use the US?s of science in the service of me to Egypt, Turkey and Qatar. venerable heritage as a leader prominence in science diplomacy, the U.S. can I met with officials from all in science by complementing demonstrate its desire to bring levels of government and the local efforts and aspirations. to advance worldwide the best of its culture and educational system, as well as development. heritage to bear on building with economists, industrialists, It is certainly in the best better and broader relations writers, publishers and media interests of the United States to with the Muslim world and representatives. What I learned foster relations with moderate beyond. during these visits was cause majorities who today often

22 23 find themselves locked in whose acronym, READ, would Ahmed Zewail: The West and conflicts and wars. policy of fairness and firmness, aid programmes to support struggle with minorities of have special significance for Islam need not be in conflict perhaps established in an undemocratic regimes or fanatics. Most people I met Muslims, as it is the first word As a cultural product of both international conference groups is a grievous error. in the Middle East believe in of the Koran. And through We must not create barriers “East” and “West”, I do not and enforced by the United Obama’s intentions, as laid out the program, the United through concepts such as ‘clash believe there is a fundamental Nations. Finally, education and in his Cairo speech last year, States should be a partner of civilisations’ basis for a clash of civilisations, research should be modernised and welcome the prospect in establishing science and or that the West is the cause Second, support for democracy through partnership. I see of enhanced scientific and technology centers of excellence Tuesday 24 October 2006 of all problems. Muslims are in governance should be great opportunities for the ultimately responsible for genuine. The West cannot people of the Muslim and educational partnerships for talented high school and The Independent with the United States. Yet university students in the their plight. But the West and should not attempt to Arab world, not less than some expressed skepticism, region. Source: has been more reactive than impose “Western democracy” those realised by China or with one high-ranking official proactive toward the Muslim and “Western values” by South Korea. The West can asking me, “Will the political Third, these efforts must http://www.independent. and Arab world, and has yet force on a culture proud of help in the modernisation of climate in the United States, and complement, not replace, U.S. co.uk/voices/commentators/ to implement a sustainable its heritage and faith. Many education and research and particularly the U.S. Congress, efforts to promote human rights ahmed-zewail-the-west- and equitable policy. For at in the Muslim world admire development. I believe it is allow him to follow through and democratic governance in and-islam-need-not-be-in- least half a century Arabs have the accomplishments and possible with the available on his promises?” the Muslim world. The United conflict-5331002.html witnessed inconsistency in democratic values of the West, talent and funding from rich States must also continue to foreign policy, support of but people are mistrustful of Arab countries, and the know- To enhance the prospects pursue a just and secure two- Five years after September undemocratic regimes for the “conditional democracy” and how from the West and other for success, we should begin state solution to the Palestinian- 11, we must ask, can western sake of securing resources and frightened of a culture now world powers, to transform by stressing three points. Israeli conflict and work toward wars solve the so-called global influence, and insensitivity to regrettably perceived to be higher education. freeing the Middle East from conflict with the Islamic world? their culture and faith. of one of violence, sex, and First, the United States nuclear proliferation. The answer, in my opinion, is other obscenities. Double Throughout history, people needs to define a coherent no. A far better state of world Here, I would identify four standards and inconsistencies develop an interest in cultures and comprehensive policy for All these efforts would go peace would be achieved if the guiding principles for a new confuse people about Western and dialogues for the sake of pursuing science diplomacy far toward creating goodwill, West would make a serious perspective. The first, and intentions, and are used by mutual benefit. Even in one with Muslim-majority countries. catalyzing progress and commitment to the just essential, point is political. totalitarian regimes to achieve organ, the brain, 100 billion Despite many efforts by both redirecting the region’s energies resolution of conflicts, and The West in general and the their goals. neurons work together to public and private organizations, into new, constructive and be genuinely involved, using a US in particular should chart a make a living human, and their initiatives remain mutually beneficial channels. fraction of war costs, in building vastly different foreign policy Third, foreign aid should be in our homes, cities, and fragmented. bridges to progress and peace with the aim of gaining the redirected toward economic countries we do the same. The soft power of science with an understanding of the confidence and cooperation of development. Traditionally, In an interdependent world, has the potential to reshape Second, the focus of a better- profound role of pride and Muslims for solving complex an aid package is distributed it is in the best interests of global diplomacy. integrated effort should be faith in the lives of Muslims. conflicts. to many projects, the major both the West and Muslim on improving education and world to communicate through Americans like to say that portion of which is for military fostering the scientific and The vast majority of Muslims In the Middle East, it is clear dialogues and to achieve global actions speak louder than support. The number of projects technological infrastructure that peace will never be reached stability and mutual benefits words, and action is what are moderates working for a involved and the lack of an that will bring about genuine without solving the Israeli- from technology, commerce, we need now. better future and seeking a effective monitoring system, economic gains and social and peaceful life. As evidenced Palestinian conflict. A two- not to mention the influence energy, and cultures. We must political progress. One way Ahmed Zewail Op-Ed in The by past achievements, Islam state solution must be found of bureaucracy and corruption, not permit the creation of would be for the United States Independent - The West and in its pristine state is not a and enforced. The unsettled results in few successes. barriers through rhetorical to encourage and support Islam need not be in conflict source of backwardness and conflicts in Lebanon and Iraq concepts such as “clash of the creation of relatively violence. As recently as the and with Syria and Iran call Directing aid toward the civilizations” or “conflict of simple earth science labs in In an article in the Independent September 11 event, the majority for solutions at the roots of building of human capacity can religions”, which are of no elementary schools, along with in 2006, Zewail called on the of Muslims were, as the rest the problems: occupation and be achieved through funding value to the future of our the teacher training necessary Arab world not to be distracted of the world was, against its borders; prisoners, refugees, of innovative pilot programmes world. to stimulate curiosity about by “the ideologies of the past violence. However, if despair and their right of return; and for enterprising individuals/ the workings of nature. For and conspiracy theories of and humiliation continue in skewed international policy. groups in the free market, https://www.zewailcity.edu. older students, I propose a the future” but to forge a the population of more than Force and isolation will not and invoking the expertise, eg/main/index.php?lang=en new program, “Reformation of new “jihad for modernity one billion Muslims, the world solve these problems. Instead and even the in-field labour, Education and Development,” and enlightenment”. will face increasing risks of we need a comprehensive for the know-how. The use of

24 25 ewail City for Science and Technology: Egypt’s scientific excellence Znational project

Dr. Ahmed Zewail with former prime minister Ibrahim Mahlab on December 16, 2014 during opening ceremony of Zewail City’s Center for Nanotechnology Students on campus of Zewail City of Science and Technology with professor of nano and materials sciences Dr. Ibrahim El-Sherbiny, in 6th of October city, near Cairo

Named after Dr. Ahmed Zewail, was officially inaugurated on that the new campus be built Zewail City Mission & Values through providing a merit- Egypt’s Nobel Laureate, Zewail November 1, 2011 in two the way for independent thinking by the Engineering Authority based education and engaging City for Science and Technology buildings belonging to the Zewail City of Science and and innovation), collaboration of the Egyptian Armed Forces with the public at large, and is a project aimed at developing government on the Sheikh Technology – with its five (science benefits greatly from science and education in Egypt. and inaugurated in a one-year integrating the challenge of collaborations among colleagues Zayed premises. The final timeframe. interlinked constituents: the Zewail’s dream to establish legal status was established University of Science and a rigorous academic study, in local institutions and at the with the spirit of collaborative international level, across the City came after he was when the City was granted law Zewail City’s University of Technology, the Research awarded the Nobel Prize in work and scientific discoveries. disciplines and in partnership 161, issued on December 20, Science and Technology and Institutes, the Technology Chemistry in October 1999; Zewail City values include merit with society and industry) 2012 outlining the City’s aims Research Institutes are now Pyramid, the Academy, and 270 feddans at the Sixth of and constituents, as well as its the Center for Strategic Studies (the ability to perform with and impact and engagement fully operational at the Sheikh October City were allocated financial and administrative – is designed to bring about excellence, professionalism (Society benefits from science to turn the Egyptian scientist’s structures. Former president Zayed campus—in accord effective participation in 21st and high ethical conduct are and the scientific approach, dream into reality. In January Adly Mansour issued decree with decree 832 granted by century science, to elevate local the basis for employment and not only in increasing national 2000, the cornerstone of the 115 on April 9, 2014 granting former prime minister Ibrahim technologies to an international promotion), transparency productivity but also in fostering City was laid down, and some 198 acres to Zewail City for the Mahlab—until construction of level and to increase national (a clear vision supported by national pride and cultural months after the 25th of January construction of the new campus the new campus is completed. productivity. Zewail City aims transparent strategies, policies, development). Revolution in Egypt, the then in the “October Gardens” area The headquarters is also fully to contribute to building a procedures and results ensures government announced the of 6th of October City. President functional in Garden City, knowledge-based society, accountability), independence Zewail City for Science and revival of the project. The City Abdel Fattah al-Sisi decreed downtown Cairo. founded on creative thinking (independent governance paves Technology Structure

26 27 made to better serve the needs tend to study physics and of Egypt and the Arab World. as a result, 15-20 physicists These centers include: Helmy are graduated each year. Institute for Medical Sciences, The Physics Department is Institute for Nanoscience and composed of four units: Energy Informatics, Institute for Imaging Physics, Elementary Particles and Visualization, Institute for physics (students at this unit Basic Sciences, Institute for take part in the Large Hadron Energy, Environment and Space, Collider (located beneath the Institute for Economics and France-Switzerland Border, Global Affairs, and Institute near Geneva, Switzerland); for Virtual Education. Under Astrophysics, and Solid-state Helmy Institute for Medical physics that employs the use Sciences, there are three of nanotechnology. Research centers: Center for Aging and institutes at the Zewail City for Associated Diseases, Center Science and Technology aim of Excellence for Stem Cells at producing papers that can Research and Regenerative turn into helpful projects via Medicine, and Center for providing researchers with due Genomics. support, be financial or legal, so that their theories can be -Center for Strategic Studies: rendered into real projects. The Center is concerned with studying mega projects Yacoub Chairing Zewail City’s and assessing their impact; Board: Zewail’s National Mission Imperial College Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub projects include energy, water, Will Carry on the board’s eldest member, contributions that benefited not development of arid lands and were Prof. Mohamed Aboulghar, only Egypt but all of humanity. Zewail City’s board of directors the establishment of road Advisor to the President for The board also expressed its networks. (BoD) held an emergency board meeting August 8 to discuss National Security Mrs. Fayza appreciation and gratitude to the City’s current situation, Aboulnaga, Prof. Amr Sharawy, President Abdelfattah El-Sisi, Maha Khalil, biology major, received AUC Trustee and Nobel laureate -Technology Structure: This former governor of the Central the Egyptian government, and structure is aimed at turning following the passing of Dr. Ahmed Zewail Prize for Excellence in the Sciences and Humanities in 2010 Bank of Egypt Dr. Farouk El all the Egyptian people for the findings of technological Ahmed Zewail, Chairman of Okdah and Prof. Mahmoud Sakr. supporting and believing in Being an integrated scientific and scientific papers into real the Supreme Advisory Board. curricula include such fields The board started its meeting Zewail City, Egypt’s National foundation, Zewail City for as nanotechnology, biomedical projects that would benefit Attending the meeting, which with a eulogy for Dr. Ahmed Project for Scientific Renaissance. Science and Technology is sciences, cosmology, and humanity in Egypt and the was chaired by Imperial College Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub as Zewail who had unique scientific During the meeting, the board composed of the following materials sciences. Engineering world. To study at Zewail City discussed the process of for Science and Technology, five essential sub-structures curricula include nanotechnology managing the City’s academic there are some science-based that are interlinked, but each engineering, environmental and administrative affairs, and with a separate mission: engineering, renewable energy criteria to ensure that students are excellent enough to pursue emphasized on the pivotal role and information technology played by the City’s students, - The Academy: It is a high and space. their degrees. Students who school aimed at preparing are unable to self fund their staff and faculty, to achieve Grade Nine talented students -The Research Center: The studies have a chance to its mission and set its goals to enroll at the University after Board of Trustees of Zewail City study at the University as as well as the procedures of studying science and technology for Science and Technology has scholarships, sometimes for adding a seventh member oriented curricula. endorsed the establishment of a full tuition waiver, are offered. from the City’s Supreme seven research centers, as an It is noteworthy that the first Advisory Board (SAB) to the - Science and Technology initial step to be followed by batch of students was enrolled BoD, in accordance with the University: It provides up- another towards establishing in 2013-2014 Academic Year. City’s bylaw no 161 2012, in to-date curricula with a lots of professional research order to start the process of special focus on science and centers. Lots of scientific and Moreover, 15% of students electing a new Chairman of engineering. For example, technological researches are who enroll at the University the City’s board.

28 29 International media acknowledgement for Zewail

Son of Ahmed Zewail, Nobel prizewinning chemist, with Zewail City of Science and Technology students during the funeral

The sad news of Dr. Ahmed scientist and said of him “An quadrillionth, or one millionth spur a scientific renaissance the Los Angeles Times that El Watan of Kuwait and Al Zewails’ death has rocked the author of some 600 scientific of one billionth, of a second.” in his home country.” The BBC urged the U.S. to avoid cutting Khaleej of the UAE focused whole world. The international articles and 16 books, he also Nature Magazine spoke of his published a report on his death, aid to Egypt…. Zewail argued on the scientific breakthroughs media has mourned the is credited with developing a science university, as saying reiterating his pioneering role that constructive engagement of the late Nobel Laureate unfortunate death of the great new research field dubbed “Zewail City began accepting in “developing a new research and use of U.S. “soft power” and regrettably spoke of the Nobel Laureate. The “Huffington four-dimensional electron students in 2013; it currently field dubbed four-dimensional such as trade agreements big loss over his death. The Post” spoke of Zewail as “the microscopy.” The Telegraph said has more 500 students and electron microscopy, which were important in keeping Moroccan-based Hespress said father of femtochemistry” and “Before Zewail’s breakthrough, 150 academic professors and helps capture fleeting processes Egypt as a partner in the war his name was written down said that Zewail’s “long-dream what exactly happens, and the researchers. The first class of and turn them into a kind of on terrorism and other U.S. in US history side by side with science university, The Zewail sequence in which it occurs, had students will graduate next year, digital film.” interests.” President of the those of Albert Einstein and City of Science and Technology been something of a mystery.” many of whom have received American University in Cairo Alexander Graham Bell, as one is now a reality.” In an article by scholarships to cover their The Associated Press spoke Francis J. Ricciardoni described of the great contributors to Turk Pipkin, writer, filmmaker The Middle East Eye highlighted tuition fees.” The California of another side of Dr. Ahmed Zewail as “an extraordinarily the US renaissance. Finally, it and co-founder of the Nobelity his great scientific work, Institute of Technology Caltech Zewail, as its report highlighted esteemed scientist, not only in is important to note that Dr. Project, published on The saying “Zewail’s work led to mourned the death of one of the article the Nobel Laureate Egypt, but around the world.” Ahmed Zewail was awarded Huffington Post, he said “Thanks the birth of the research area its great professors Dr. Ahmed published on The Los Angeles He also said “Egyptians and both France’s highest decoration to Ahmed Zewail, science is called femtochemistry, which Zewail, highlighting his science Times in 2014 to urge the US Americans alike are proud “the Legion d’Honneur” and once again coming to the studies the chemical reactions university in Egypt “he established not to cut aid to Egypt, following to claim him as their own Egypt’s highest medal “Order of forefront of the Egyptian that occur over an incredibly the Zewail City of Science and the 30th of June Revolution in countryman.” Arab media also the Grand Collar of the Nile”, in World.” Reuters published a short period of time, known as Technology, modeled after the country: “In 2014, Zewail mourned the passing away of recognition of his great science report on the great Egyptian a femtosecond, which is one Caltech, in 2011 to try to wrote an opinion piece for the great Egyptian scientist. achievements.

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