02-08-2025
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.
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