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Ahmed Zewail
81quotes
Ahmed Zewail
Egyptian-American Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ahmed Hassan Zewail was commonly known as the "Father of Laser Chemistry."
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 26, 1946, in Damanhur, Egypt. Passed away on August 2, 2016.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Egyptian-American physicist and Nobel laureate in chemistry. Zewail held multiple positions including the Linus Pauling Chair Professor of Chemistry at California Institute of Technology (Caltech), as well as Director General of the Laser Center at the University of Cairo.
Early Life
Ahmed Zewail was born into a family of modest means, but he demonstrated a strong aptitude for learning from an early age. His parents encouraged his curiosity and provided him with access to books and other educational resources. As a young man, Zewail showed particular interest in science and mathematics.
Zewail attended Cairo University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in chemistry. He then pursued his graduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, earning his Ph.D. in chemical physics from 1974.
Major Accomplishments
In 1999, Ahmed Zewail was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his pioneering work on the development of femtochemistry – a field that uses ultrashort pulses of light to study the dynamics of chemical reactions. His research revolutionized our understanding of molecular processes and paved the way for new areas of investigation.
Notable Works or Actions
Zewail's contributions extended far beyond his Nobel Prize-winning work. He was an accomplished teacher, mentor, and advocate for science education. As Director General of the Laser Center at the University of Cairo, Zewail worked tirelessly to establish Egypt as a hub for scientific research and innovation.
Impact and Legacy
Ahmed Zewail's legacy is multifaceted. His groundbreaking work has opened new avenues for research in chemistry and physics, inspiring a new generation of scientists worldwide. Moreover, his commitment to education and science outreach has helped bridge the gap between academia and society, promoting greater understanding and appreciation for the role of science in our lives.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Zewail's unique blend of scientific acumen, educational vision, and international collaboration has made him a beloved figure among scientists, policymakers, and the general public. His words on the importance of science education and the need for global cooperation continue to inspire and motivate people worldwide.
"Science is not just about finding answers; it's also about questioning the questions themselves."
Ahmed Zewail's remarkable life story serves as a testament to the power of human curiosity, perseverance, and collaboration. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our understanding of the world and will continue to inspire future generations of scientists, thinkers, and leaders.
Quotes by Ahmed Zewail
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The Muslim Brotherhood and the Salifist parties are a real force in the Egyptian society.
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In addition to the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel, which is crucial to U.S. interests both domestically and in the Middle East, the U.S. has had and will continue to need Egypt's collaboration in the war on terrorism.
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The U.S. can still maintain research institutions, such as Caltech, that are the envy of the world, yet it would be hubristic and naive to think that this position is sustainable without investing in science education and basic research.
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After World War II, scientific research in the U.S. was well supported. In the 1960s, when I came to America, the sky was the limit, and this conducive atmosphere enabled many of us to pursue esoteric research that resulted in America winning the lion's share of Nobel Prizes.
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What the U.S. should do consistently is to support the liberty of the Egyptian people.
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I don't know all the reasons for these achievements, but I know that I love what I do and I have never wanted to rest on my laurels.
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Perhaps the most valuable thing he taught me (his father) was that there is no contradiction between devotion to work and enjoyment of life and people
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When I was a child, I thought of my Delta town as the center of the universe, but now I realize how little I know about the universe. As a child, I thought I was immortal, but now I recognize how limited a time we all have. As a child, success meant scoring A on every exam, but now I take it to mean good health, close family and friends, achieve- ments in my work, and helping others.
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When Mohamed Morsi was elected president of Egypt in 2012, many in the country, including me, were hopeful that he would become a democratic president for all Egyptians - not only for the Muslim Brotherhood.
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