The statement means Sheikh Mohammed announced the recipient of the Great Arab Minds award in the natural sciences category, recognising exceptional scientific achievement and contributions to research and innovation.
Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed reveals Great Arab Minds natural sciences winner
Dubai’s Ruler on Wednesday, December 17, announced the recipient of the Great Arab Minds Award in the Natural Sciences category.
Professor Majed Chergui, an Honorary Professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, received the honour for his groundbreaking scientific work in capturing ultrafast motion at the atomic scale.
Throughout his scientific career, Professor Majed Chergui has focused on developing advanced tools and experimental techniques that allow researchers to track the movement of molecules and materials with unprecedented femtosecond-level accuracy.
The Great Arab Minds Award celebrates exceptional Arab talent across scientific and intellectual fields, aiming to inspire future generations and highlight global Arab contributions. In the Natural Sciences category, the award recognises research that pushes the boundaries of human knowledge and delivers measurable impact on science and society. Professor Chergui’s work has significantly influenced modern physics and chemistry, opening new possibilities in material science, energy research, and molecular dynamics. His discoveries have helped scientists better understand processes that occur in trillionths of a second, advancing experimental science and strengthening the Arab world’s presence in cutting-edge global research communities.
Professor Chergui’s achievements have also played an important role in mentoring young researchers and fostering international scientific collaboration. His research methods are now widely used in laboratories worldwide, contributing to breakthroughs in nanotechnology, photochemistry, and advanced materials. By combining innovation with rigorous experimentation, his work has helped bridge theoretical science with practical applications. The recognition reflects Dubai’s broader vision of supporting excellence, innovation, and knowledge-driven development. Through initiatives such as the Great Arab Minds Award, regional leaders aim to encourage scientific curiosity, reward impactful research, and position Arab scientists at the forefront of global discovery.
The announcement of the award highlights Dubai’s commitment to recognising scientific excellence and promoting innovation across the Arab world. By celebrating achievements in natural sciences, the initiative encourages researchers to pursue ambitious ideas and contribute solutions to global challenges. The Great Arab Minds programme also serves as a platform to connect scientists, academics, and institutions, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Such recognition not only honours individual accomplishment but also raises awareness of the Arab world’s growing role in advanced scientific research, inspiring students and young professionals to follow careers in science and technology.
Beyond individual recognition, the award reflects a broader strategy to invest in human capital and knowledge-based development. Initiatives like the Great Arab Minds Award align with regional goals of advancing education, research, and innovation ecosystems. By spotlighting pioneering scientists, the programme helps build a culture that values inquiry, creativity, and excellence. It also reinforces the importance of sustained research funding and institutional support. As global competition in science intensifies, such efforts position the region to contribute meaningfully to future scientific breakthroughs and technological progress.
