Sheikh Mohammed Congratulates Professor Majed Chergui on Prestigious Award
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently praised Professor Majed Chergui for receiving the Great Arab Minds 2025 Award in the Natural Sciences category. This recognition emphasizes the vital role of scientific research in Arab culture and societal advancement, framing it as an essential element for civilizational progress.
A Celebration of Scientific Innovation
In a recent message on social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed expressed that civilization thrives not merely on its historical achievements but through the contributions of contemporary scientists. He extended his congratulations to Professor Chergui, an Emeritus Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), acknowledging his groundbreaking work in capturing ultrafast motion at the atomic scale.
Professor Chergui’s Groundbreaking Contributions
Professor Chergui’s commitment to the field is evident through his innovative development of tools and experimental methods that allow unparalleled observation of molecular movement. His work in ultrafast X-ray techniques has been instrumental in advancing our understanding of light and material interactions, with over 450 scientific papers to his name and more than 23,000 citations globally. His stature as a leading scientist in ultrafast spectroscopy, materials science, and energy is well-recognized.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that this award is a testament to the thriving scientific creativity present in the Arab world today, challenging the notion that such achievements belong to the past.
The Great Arab Minds Initiative
The Great Arab Minds initiative was started by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to celebrate and honor innovators across various disciplines including science, art, literature, and economics. Professor Chergui was chosen for this award due to his remarkable contributions, particularly in studying light-matter interactions, which enable scientists to view molecular dynamics with incredible precision.
His research has shed light on phenomena that traditional methods couldn’t access, revolutionizing approaches in chemistry and beyond.
Pioneering Techniques in Science
Chergui’s breakthroughs include advancements like two-dimensional ultraviolet spectroscopy and ultrafast circular dichroism, which significantly enhance the research capabilities for complex biological systems and advanced materials. His focus on ultrafast X-ray spectroscopy allows for femtosecond-level resolution, unlocking new research opportunities that could benefit fields ranging from renewable energy to materials science.
Current Research Focus
At present, Professor Chergui is concentrating on using nonlinear X-rays to explore solar materials, capitalizing on their unique capacity to observe charge motion in solids in real-time. His efforts continue in developing X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs), which represent a significant leap in optics and spectroscopy, proving invaluable for studying various materials, particularly metal oxides.
Recognition and Legacy
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chair of the Higher Committee of the Great Arab Minds, informed Professor Chergui about his award during a video call, acknowledging his extensive contributions to science and the impact of his work on countless researchers worldwide.
The establishment of the Great Arab Minds Award fills a critical gap in recognizing excellence across various fields, celebrating figures who not only inspire but also contribute to building knowledge-based economies throughout the Arab region.
Supporting Future Generations
As the leading scientific awardee from the Arab world, Professor Chergui serves as a beacon of inspiration for the younger generation. His success illustrates the potential that exists within the region and motivates aspiring scientists to pursue their ambitions in the sciences, thereby enriching the global intellectual landscape.
The Natural Sciences Committee for the 2025 Great Arab Minds Award consisted of notable figures in science, including Professor Sehamuddin Galadari and Dr. Noureddine Melikechi, among others, underlining the initiative’s commitment to honoring excellence in scientific innovation.
The Importance of Recognition
This accolade, likened to the “Arab Nobel,” not only recognizes individual accomplishments but symbolizes a broader acknowledgment of Arab scientific talent on the global stage. With past winners like Professor Omar Yaghi, who later received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, the initiative inspires countless others to make impactful contributions to society through science and innovation, reaffirming the importance of nurturing talent within the region.
