From earning Nobel Prizes to ranking among the most cited researchers globally, Arab scientists continue to achieve remarkable milestones. These accomplishments highlight their immense contributions, not only to regional progress but to global scientific advancement.
Today, we celebrate an achievement of equal prestige. Ten distinguished scientists from the Arab world have been named to The World Academy of Sciences' (TWAS) 2025 class of Fellows. This recognition highlights their extraordinary contributions to science and serves as a testament to the growing impact of Arab researchers in the international scientific community.
Founded in 1983 and now a part of the UNESCO, TWAS is a global institution that celebrates scientific excellence, particularly in or connected to the developing world. Nobel laureate Abdus Salam founded and laid the vision for TWAS to unite eminent scientists who have achieved outstanding international recognition for their contributions to advancing science.
TWAS Fellowships represent one of the highest honors in the scientific community. Candidates are rigorously evaluated on their scientific achievements and impact. To qualify, a nominee must be endorsed by two existing Fellows and undergo assessment by specialized committees in fields such as biology, engineering, and mathematics.
Fellows play a pivotal role in fostering scientific development, from participating in conferences to advising on science education and policymaking. Their work enhances global scientific capacity and promotes equitable access to knowledge worldwide. With the election of the 2025 class, the total number of TWAS Fellows becomes 1,444.
Among the Fellows named by TWAS in 2025 is former SASTA President Professor Rana Dajani. A professor of molecular biology at the Hashemite University in Jordan, Professor Dajani has also served as a visiting professor at institutions such as Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Cambridge. In addition to her academic work, she is a social entrepreneur, having founded the We Love Reading initiative for children, which has expanded to 60 countries worldwide.
During her tenure as SASTA President, Professor Dajani led several initiatives that significantly advanced the organization’s goals. Notably, the organization of the Global Conference for Diaspora Networks in Science 2022 stands as a testament to her leadership, bringing together Arab scientific talent and promoting meaningful dialogue on leveraging the diaspora for sustainable development.
Professor Dajani is being recognized as a TWAS Fellow for her pioneering research on the impact of trauma on epigenetics, particularly her work with Syrian refugees across generations. Her efforts have reshaped how research partnerships are approached, emphasizing trust, equity, and respect among all stakeholders, ensuring more impactful and inclusive scientific advancements.
Nine outstanding Arab scientists will join Professor Rana Dajani as TWAS 2025 Fellows, each recognized for their groundbreaking contributions across diverse disciplines:
Professor Ramy Karam Aziz: Professor of Microbiology and Immunology, Cairo University, Egypt. Recognized for pioneering research on the human microbiome’s influence on health and pharmacology, including coining “pharmacomicrobiomics” and “toxicomicrobiomics.”
Professor Adel Belouchrani: Professor, Ecole Nationale Polytechnique, Algeria. Renowned for advancing blind source separation techniques and spatial time-frequency distribution, transforming radar and sonar signal processing.
Professor Lalla Btissam Drissi: Professor, Mohammed V University, Morocco. Acclaimed for innovations in quantum science and nanostructures with applications in energy, spintronics, and health.
Professor Hichem Eleuch: Professor, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Recognized for advancing quantum theory, focusing on correlations in open systems and low-dimensional quantum statistics.
Professor Khalil Ezzinbi: Professor, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco. Distinguished for expertise in evolution equations and operator theory, mentoring 30 PhD students from Africa.
Professor Mounir Ghogho: Dean, International University of Rabat, Morocco. Honored for impactful contributions to signal processing, machine learning, and renewable energy research.
Professor Mazen Hasna: Professor, Qatar University, Qatar. Celebrated for leadership in electrical engineering and advancements in cooperative and relayed communication systems.
Professor Suzana Pereira Nunes: Vice-Provost, KAUST, Saudi Arabia. Renowned for developing sustainable polymeric materials and membranes for industrial and environmental applications.
Professor Salah Obayya: Director, Zewail City, Egypt. Noted for shaping nanophotonics through computational modeling and its applications in communication and solar energy.
This recognition marks a significant moment for the Arab scientific community. The work of these researchers not only advances scientific understanding but also bridges communities, fosters collaboration, and drives innovation in vital fields.
As TWAS Fellows, these scientists continue to inspire future generations. Their achievements remind us of the boundless potential within the Arab world to shape the future of science, technology, and society. The future of global science is stronger and more diverse thanks to their contributions.
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