The U.S. Embassy in Cairo has expressed its condolences over the death of Ahmed Zewail, a prominent Egyptian-American scientist. Dr. Zewail was recognized globally for his contributions to science, notably winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999. He also served on President Obama's Presidential Council of Advisors on Science and Technology and was among the first United States Science Envoys.
Dr. Zewail dedicated his career to advancing science and technology. As a long-term resident and citizen of the United States, he played a crucial role in promoting Egyptian science and education through his establishment of the Zewail City of Science and Technology, which includes the Zewail University of Science and Technology in Cairo.
Born in Damanhur, Dr. Zewail grew up and studied in Alexandria before moving to the United States where he obtained his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania. His academic career included teaching positions at major U.S. institutions such as California Institute of Technology and the University of California, Berkeley.