Biography of Dr. Ahmed Hassan Zewail
Personal Information
- Full Name: Ahmed Hassan Zewail
- Date of Birth: February 26, 1946
- Place of Birth: Damanhur, Egypt
- Date of Death: August 2, 2016
- Place of Death: Pasadena, California, USA
- Place of Burial: Sixth of October, Egypt
- Residences: Los Angeles County, USA, and Desouk, Egypt
- Nationality: Egyptian and American
Education
- Bachelor's and Master's: Alexandria University, Egypt
- Ph.D.: University of Pennsylvania, USA (1969–1974)
Academic Specialty
Occupation
- Chemist, University Professor, Physicist
Languages
Field of Work
Positions
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech): Professor of Chemistry, Senior Researcher at the Linus Pauling Institute
- University of California, Berkeley: Researcher in the research team
Awards and Honors
- Nobel Prize in Chemistry: 1999
- Grand Collar of the Nile: 1999
- Guggenheim Fellowship: 1987
- Wolf Prize: 1992
- Herbert Brody Award: 1995
- Leonardo da Vinci Award for Excellence: 1995
- Walsh Prize: 1997
- Alexander von Humboldt Award: 1997
- Medal of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences
Achievements
- Development of "Femtosecond" Concept: The smallest unit of time in a second
- First Egyptian to Win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry: 1999
- Appointed by President Barack Obama: Member of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology in April 2009
Memberships
- Royal Society
- Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
- National Academy of Sciences
- American Academy of Arts and Sciences
- Russian Academy of Sciences
- American Philosophical Society
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- American Physical Society
Who He Is
Dr. Ahmed Hassan Zewail was an Egyptian-American chemist renowned for his groundbreaking work in femtochemistry. His research transformed the understanding of chemical reactions at the femtosecond level, making him a leading figure in the field. He won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999 for his pioneering contributions. Zewail was not only a trailblazer in scientific research but also an influential figure in bridging scientific relations between Egypt and the USA.
Summary
Dr. Ahmed Zewail was one of the greatest scientists of the 20th century, achieving remarkable success in chemistry through his revolutionary discoveries in the study of chemical reactions on an unprecedented time scale. His scientific achievements were not only a source of inspiration but also strengthened scientific ties between Egypt and the United States. Zewail’s work left a lasting impact on both basic and applied sciences, making him a role model for aspiring scientists worldwide.
Additional Information
- Dr. Zewail played a significant role in developing new research and educational programs, including the establishment of the Zewail City of Science and Technology in Egypt. This institution aims to support Egyptian youth in science and technology and advance research in the region.
- Beyond his academic accomplishments, Zewail was active in promoting scientific education and technology in developing countries and supported initiatives aimed at improving education and research globally.
