Maspero revives scientific broadcasting in honour of Nobel Laureate Ahmed Zewail - Society
Writer, media expert, and NMA president Ahmed El-Meslemani made the announcement during a press briefing that outlined broader efforts to revive scientific journalism in Egypt.
'Scientific journalism in our region has suffered significant setbacks,' El-Meslemani said. 'We are now actively studying pathways for its revival. Naming a historic studio after Dr Zewail is both a symbolic and strategic act — honouring our scientific pioneers and inspiring future generations.'
As part of this new direction, Egyptian Television has launched a programme titled Kalam fi El-Elm (Talks in Science), hosted by Dr Sameh Saad Ali, a prominent biophysicist and founding director of the Center for Aging Studies at Zewail City of Science and Technology. Ali also leads the Cancer Biology Programme at Egypt's 57357 Children's Cancer Hospital and is a recipient of the 2020 State Award for Excellence in Science.
It is the first in a planned series of specialised shows aimed at popularising science and deepening public understanding.
El-Meslemani emphasized that this marks the beginning of a comprehensive national effort to bring science closer to society, especially younger audiences.
Dr Zewail, who was awarded the 1999 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work in femtochemistry, was a familiar figure in Egyptian media.
El-Meslemani recalled that Egyptian Radio played a key role in introducing Zewail to the Arab public, particularly through legendary broadcaster Amal Fahmy. Her programme, Ala El-Nasseya (At the Corner), helped make his research accessible to a broader audience. 'I was honoured to join Amal Fahmy on several occasions to discuss Dr. Zewail's work and its global significance,' El-Meslemani said.
He also acknowledged the broader contributions of radio professionals in showcasing Zewail's achievements, noting that the late scientist remained a devoted listener of Egyptian Radio during his visits to Cairo. 'In naming Studio 45 after one of the Arab world's greatest scientists since Ibn al-Haytham, we are, in essence, honouring ourselves,' he added.
El-Meslemani also announced that the Maspero Center for Media Studies, in collaboration with the Cultural Channel and the Cultural Radio Programme, will host a national symposium titled The Present and Future of Scientific Media in Egypt.
The event forms part of a larger initiative led by the NMA to simplify complex scientific knowledge, engage Generations Z and Alpha with science-based content, and broaden public access to reliable, non-specialist scientific media.
Follow us on:
Short link:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CairoScene
a day ago
- CairoScene
Historic Maspero Studio Named After Nobel Prize Winner Ahmed Zewail
The National Media Authority honours Nobel Laureate Zewail with a studio in his name and initiatives in scientific media. Aug 04, 2025 Maspero's historic Studio 45 will be renamed after Dr Ahmed Zewail, as part of a push to revive scientific journalism and improve public understanding of science, according to National Media Authority (NMA) President Ahmed El-Meslamani. Alongside the renaming, NMA announced the launch of 'Kalam fi El-Elm' ('Talks in Science'), a television programme hosted by biophysicist Dr Sameh Saad Ali, founding director of the Center for Aging Studies at Zewail City of Science and Technology. Dr Ahmed Zewail received the 1999 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for breakthroughs in femtochemistry - the study of chemical reactions on extremely short timescales. He was the first Egyptian and first Arab to win the award. El-Meslamani also announced an upcoming national symposium, 'The Present and Future of Scientific Media in Egypt', organised by the Maspero Center for Media Studies in collaboration with the Cultural Channel and Cultural Radio Programme. He said the initiatives aim to make reliable, non-specialist scientific content more accessible to younger audiences.
Al-Ahram Weekly
3 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Maspero revives scientific broadcasting in honour of Nobel Laureate Ahmed Zewail - Society
To mark the ninth anniversary of Nobel Laureate Ahmed Zewail's passing, the National Media Authority (NMA) has officially named Studio 45 at Egyptian Radio in his honour. Writer, media expert, and NMA president Ahmed El-Meslemani made the announcement during a press briefing that outlined broader efforts to revive scientific journalism in Egypt. 'Scientific journalism in our region has suffered significant setbacks,' El-Meslemani said. 'We are now actively studying pathways for its revival. Naming a historic studio after Dr Zewail is both a symbolic and strategic act — honouring our scientific pioneers and inspiring future generations.' As part of this new direction, Egyptian Television has launched a programme titled Kalam fi El-Elm (Talks in Science), hosted by Dr Sameh Saad Ali, a prominent biophysicist and founding director of the Center for Aging Studies at Zewail City of Science and Technology. Ali also leads the Cancer Biology Programme at Egypt's 57357 Children's Cancer Hospital and is a recipient of the 2020 State Award for Excellence in Science. It is the first in a planned series of specialised shows aimed at popularising science and deepening public understanding. El-Meslemani emphasized that this marks the beginning of a comprehensive national effort to bring science closer to society, especially younger audiences. Dr Zewail, who was awarded the 1999 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work in femtochemistry, was a familiar figure in Egyptian media. El-Meslemani recalled that Egyptian Radio played a key role in introducing Zewail to the Arab public, particularly through legendary broadcaster Amal Fahmy. Her programme, Ala El-Nasseya (At the Corner), helped make his research accessible to a broader audience. 'I was honoured to join Amal Fahmy on several occasions to discuss Dr. Zewail's work and its global significance,' El-Meslemani said. He also acknowledged the broader contributions of radio professionals in showcasing Zewail's achievements, noting that the late scientist remained a devoted listener of Egyptian Radio during his visits to Cairo. 'In naming Studio 45 after one of the Arab world's greatest scientists since Ibn al-Haytham, we are, in essence, honouring ourselves,' he added. El-Meslemani also announced that the Maspero Center for Media Studies, in collaboration with the Cultural Channel and the Cultural Radio Programme, will host a national symposium titled The Present and Future of Scientific Media in Egypt. The event forms part of a larger initiative led by the NMA to simplify complex scientific knowledge, engage Generations Z and Alpha with science-based content, and broaden public access to reliable, non-specialist scientific media. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Mid East Info
15-07-2025
- Mid East Info
MBRF and UNDP to organise 4th edition of Youth Knowledge Forum in Egypt - Middle East Business News and Information
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will jointly organize the fourth edition of the 'Youth Knowledge Forum' (YKF) under the theme 'Knowledge Economy and Human Development' in the Arab Republic of Egypt. The event will be held in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports (MOYS) in Cairo from 20 to 21 July 2025. YKF will be organized as part of ongoing strategic collaborations aimed at fostering innovation and enhancing the role of youth in advancing knowledge-based development, while empowering them to become key drivers of sustainable development. YKF is a leading intellectual platform that convenes the youth and key decision-makers from various sectors to exchange vital insights and explore solutions to mitigate prevalent challenges. Its primary aim is to devise innovative solutions, which can help bolster the knowledge economy, support entrepreneurship, equip youth with future-ready skills, and reinforce regional and international cooperation among stakeholders invested in youth empowerment. The event builds on the dedicated efforts of MBRF and MOYS, which played a key role in the success of the forum's previous edition. It aims to expand on the achievements made and further enhance its impact. The initiative also reflects MOYS's continued commitment to empowering Egyptian youth with the tools and support they need to shape a bright and prosperous future. Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Minister of Youth and Sports, stated that Egypt's role as the host of YKF's fourth edition reflects the country's commitment to supporting and empowering youth, positioning them as a key pillar in building the New Republic, under the leadership of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He emphasized that YKF serves as a key dialogue platform for enhancing young people's knowledge and skills, while expanding their intellectual horizons in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the digital economy. He also praised the fruitful partnership between MBRF and UNDP, which underscores the depth of Arab and international cooperation in youth empowerment and human development. His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, CEO of MBRF, highlighted that the fourth edition of YKF reflects MBRF's longstanding efforts to position the youth as key contributors to ensure a highly innovative and sustainable future. He further stated: 'Through this forum, we aim to foster a proactive culture aimed at enhancing the youths' ability to address future challenges. This can be achieved not only by providing them with the requisite tools, but also by inspiring them to generate solutions and drive social change through the localization and application of knowledge. We are pleased to forge this constructive collaboration with MOYS, further highlighting both entities shared commitment to driving the transition towards an inclusive knowledge economy, one that opens new avenues for Arab youth to become leaders of development and pillars of progress.' 'As the world rapidly transitions towards a knowledge-based economy, empowering youth and enhancing their knowledge and skills has become an essential priority. Egyptian youth possess the ambition and innovation required to become key partners in advancing the country's development. In close partnership with the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, through the Knowledge Project and UNDP's programmes in Egypt, we remain committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen youth capacities and expand their horizons,' said Mr. Ghimar Deeb, Acting Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Egypt. 'Through a range of initiatives, UNDP Egypt equips young people with critical skills in areas such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and the green economy, ensuring their active and meaningful contribution to sustainable development.' YKF's agenda will feature a rich lineup of impactful panel discussions and interactive dialogues on key topics related to public and development policies in the age of the knowledge economy. It will also explore ways to foster strategic cooperation and integration between governments and international institutions in this field, while addressing the growing challenges of misinformation in the digital age and the powerful role of digital media in raising awareness among Generation Alpha. In addition, the event will delve into entrepreneurship and obstacles faced by startups, showcasing inspiring success stories of young entrepreneurs from Egypt and the wider Arab world. Furthermore, discussions will be held on human capital development amid ongoing digital transformation, exploring key themes such as reforming educational systems, enhancing digital and entrepreneurial skills, integrating formal and informal learning, and shifting the focus from traditional education to lifelong learning. It will also highlight the growing impact of AI on the job market and the knowledge economy, while also addressing ethical AI practices in modern societies. Other topics will focus on the role of arts in development, the current state of entrepreneurship in Egypt and the region, entrepreneurs' success stories, and mechanisms to empower startups to become more sustainable and innovative. YKF will conclude with a youth open dialogue, providing a platform for them to share the challenges they face and their aspirations for the future. This will serve as a safe space for the youth to share their ideas, catalyzing the creation of a knowledge-based Arab society grounded in the energy and potential of its youth. It will further reinforce a culture of dialogue, openness and lifelong learning, reflecting both parties' commitment to strengthening knowledge cooperation among Arab nations, while presenting an effective model for youth empowerment as well as creating a positive impact across all sectors and shaping a prosperous and progressive future.
