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Moroccan Physicist Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli Breaks Boundaries in Science
Rabat, Morocco - In the 1980s, Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli shattered gender norms by persuading her father to allow her to pursue graduate studies in France, at a time when Moroccan women were typically expected to prioritize marriage over careers. Little did she anticipate that this decision would mark the beginning of a groundbreaking 30-year career in nuclear physics, ultimately contributing to the confirmation of the elusive Higgs Boson particle.
This year, Forbes Middle East is acknowledging El Moursli's exceptional journey by featuring her on its '50 Over 50' list, celebrating influential leaders in the MENA region.
Upon completing her Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics in France, El Moursli returned to Morocco in 1982 and joined the faculty at Mohammed V University. Subsequently, she assumed the role of head of the Laboratory of Nuclear Physics in Rabat, directing her research towards applications of nuclear physics, medical physics, and particle physics.
A pivotal moment occurred in 1996 when El Moursli played a key role in Morocco's significant participation in the ATLAS experiment at CERN in Geneva. This propelled her into the upper echelons of particle physics, culminating in her instrumental role in the discovery of the Higgs Boson in 2012 – the elusive particle responsible for imparting mass to fundamental particles.
Beyond these scientific milestones, El Moursli has been a trailblazer in enhancing academia in Morocco. She established the country's first master's program in medical physics, mentoring over 30 graduates who now contribute to the healthcare sector, and overseeing numerous students pursuing advanced degrees.
Her list of accolades is extensive, including being a fellow of the World Academy of Sciences, a L'Oreal-UNESCO laureate for Women in Science, and an honoree by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, among others.
In 2024, El Moursli continues to break barriers, serving as an inspiration for women in STEM and showcasing Moroccan scientific excellence globally. Her extraordinary journey underscores the power of curiosity and perseverance in overcoming societal barriers, as expressed in El Moursli's own words: "We need the wings of knowledge to fly and to go beyond."