Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, extended his congratulations to Professor Majed Chergui for being awarded the Great Arab Minds 2025 Award in the Natural Sciences category. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the significance of Arab scientific research and achievements, emphasizing that science has been a pivotal part of the Arab world's cultural and civilizational development.
According to Emirates News Agency, Professor Majed Chergui, an Emeritus Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the study of light-matter interactions. His pioneering work in capturing ultrafast motion at the atomic scale has opened new experimental avenues in chemistry and unveiled phenomena previously inaccessible through conventional methods.
Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged Professor Chergui's dedication to advancing ultrafast X-ray techniques and his publication of over 450 scientific papers, which have garnered more than 23,000 citations worldwide. He praised the professor's role in establishing himself as an influential figure in ultrafast spectroscopy, materials science, and energy. The Great Arab Minds initiative, reflecting Sheikh Mohammed's vision, honors pioneers and innovators across various fields, aiming to inspire societies with new horizons.
The award acknowledged Professor Chergui's work in developing tools and methods that allow scientists to observe the movement of molecules and materials with femtosecond precision. His innovations include the development of the ultra-fast X-ray spectrometer, which captures signals with femtosecond-level resolution, especially suited for studying wide bandgap transition metal oxides. Currently, his focus is on using nonlinear X-rays to study solar materials, contributing to the development of X-ray free-electron lasers (XFEL) that have advanced nonlinear optics and spectroscopy.
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chair of the Higher Committee of the Great Arab Minds, informed Professor Chergui of his win, commending his extensive research and publications, widely cited by researchers and students globally. Al Gergawi emphasized the establishment of the Great Arab Minds Award by Sheikh Mohammed as addressing a significant gap by creating a comprehensive Arab recognition award in key fields. He stated that Professor Chergui's recognition would inspire Arab youth to leverage science to advance development and build knowledge-based economies.
The Natural Sciences Committee for the 2025 Great Arab Minds Award was chaired by Professor Sehamuddin Galadari, with members including distinguished scientists from renowned institutions. The Great Arab Minds initiative, known as the 'Arab Nobel,' celebrates exceptional thinkers and innovators, inspiring younger generations to enrich humanity's scientific and intellectual legacy. This recognition is further emphasized by the fact that the previous year's awardee in the category, Professor Omar Yaghi, also won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2025.