Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli

Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli (born 12 May 1954) is a Moroccan Professor of nuclear physics, at the faculty of science within the Mohammad V University of Rabat. She won the L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science for her work on the Higgs Boson.

Quotes

• I think we are relatively well placed in Morocco; women make up 30-40% of attendance at the top science schools in the country.
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Interview with Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli

Interview with Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli: Morocco has a qualified workforce in the nuclear sector On September 23, 2023

Could you provide us with an overview of the current status of the nuclear sector's progress in Morocco, as well as the key projects and initiatives underway in this field?

• It is worth noting that Moroccan universities carry out extensive research in close collaboration with the National Center for Nuclear Energy, Science, and Technology (CNESTEN), which operates an exceptional research reactor used for the production of radioisotopes.
• Morocco has established cooperation agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Furthermore, it has a national agency, the Moroccan Agency for Nuclear and Radiological Safety and Security (AMSSNuR), which reports directly to the head of government. This agency is responsible for overseeing the use of radiation, whether in hospitals, universities, or other areas.
• It is also worth noting that Morocco has a highly skilled workforce in the nuclear sector, with many well-trained young professionals. In terms of electro-nuclear reactors, the country is well prepared, and discussions are already underway about the potential use of small modular reactors (SMRs) for future applications such as seawater desalination.

What are your future plans or goals that you have set for your work in these areas of scientific research and innovation?

• Moroccan universities, with my involvement, are currently organizing a major international conference dedicated to high-energy research. This initiative is the first of its kind in Africa, with a particular emphasis on the continent’s countries. As part of my contribution, I am engaging through research carried out in collaboration with various international partners. Our main goal is to guide and prepare the next generation of scientists and researchers. I view this mission as a lifelong commitment, as it holds great significance for the future of our nation.

TWAS Medal Lectures 2022: Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli

TWAS Medal Lectures 2022: Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli

• Increasing the impact of science and building confidence in science can only be achieved through science education, scientific mediation and the development of scientific and technical skills.
• I'm really honoured to be selected as a recipient of one of the 2022 TWAS Medals. This is also a recognition of the high level of Moroccan science, which is now part of the most important international collaborations.
• the strong force, which holds together atomic nuclei; the weak force, which is behind radioactivity; the electromagnetic force, including both visible and non-visible light; and gravity. The ATLAS collaboration is searching for a new physics, transcending our current vision of the universe,
• It was designed to detect particles that can be created only through proton-proton collisions at extremely high speed. Through these experiments, the international community hopes to recreate the conditions existing in the universe less than one billionth second after the Big Bang, about 13.7 billion years ago.

Ranked among the 200 most influential researchers in the world, Professor Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli recounts her experience

Ranked among the 200 most influential researchers in the world, Professor Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli recounts her experience

• Being involved in such a collaboration has helped us, as Moroccan researchers, to position ourselves internationally, and that is what has helped us to be ranked among the top now.
• It was a very big challenge, because there absolutely could not be any mistakes.
• It shows that perseverance pays off in the end. That it's not over. And that's why I tell all my younger colleagues: Never hesitate! Don't say that we're in a less developed country or that we don't have the resources. We can achieve anything and we can do anything.
• There need to be role models, and girls also need to seek mentors to help and advise them.