Morocco's fifth Science Week positions UM6P as regional research hub

Monday 17 February 2025 - 07:33

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's fifth Science Week positions UM6P as regional research hub

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) is preparing to host its fifth annual Science Week, showcasing Morocco's expanding role in global scientific research and innovation. The event, running from tomorrow through February 23 at UM6P's Benguerir campus, will bring together distinguished scientists from around the world.

Fouad Laroui, Scientific Director of Science Week, emphasized the university's unique atmosphere of innovation since his arrival as a professor in 2020. "When you come up with an idea, people don't try to block you. Instead, they say 'Go for it,'" he noted during today's press conference.

The event arrives at a crucial time when, according to Laroui, science faces challenges from social media and alternative facts. He highlighted that participating researchers, though unassuming in appearance, represent the top 1% of scientists worldwide in their fields.

The gathering marks a significant shift in Morocco's scientific landscape. "During the last two centuries, whenever we needed science, we went to get it from Europe or the United States," Laroui explained. "Now we're building a class of high-level scientists in Morocco." He illustrated this evolution by sharing an anecdote from his early career at Morocco's phosphate company, where French experts intended to teach about explosives but instead learned from local workers.

Under the theme "Shaping the Future," Science Week 2025 will feature discussions on artificial intelligence, sustainable agriculture, future careers, and the intersection of science, ethics, and philosophy. Notable participants include Jacob Jones, a world authority on phosphorus, and Edward Bugnion, co-creator of VMware.

The event also reflects Morocco's evolving role in Africa since rejoining the African Union in 2017. Students from Ivory Coast and Nigeria will share their UM6P experiences at the opening ceremony, emphasizing collaborative rather than instructional relationships with other African nations.

A dedicated team of 20 to 30 professionals has worked to organize the event, which aims to encourage interdisciplinary exploration among students. Laroui advised students to venture beyond their specific fields, suggesting that architecture students explore computer science and vice versa.