Mounia Laassiri Wins UNESCO Prize, Highlighting Morocco’s Scientific Radiance Globally
Moroccan physicist Mounia Laassiri has been awarded the UNESCO–Al Fozan International Prize for promoting youth in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at a formal ceremony held in Paris, France. This award is among the prestigious global recognitions in the fields of science and education, honoring academic excellence and scientific contributions, alongside efforts in disseminating knowledge among new generations.
This recognition is a source of pride for Morocco and affirms the emergence of a new female and Arab name in the global scientific arena.
Academic Journey Marked by Excellence
Laassiri was born and educated in Morocco, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in fundamental sciences before specializing in network security and embedded systems for her master’s degree. She then obtained a PhD in nuclear engineering, a precise specialization that opened doors to advanced scientific research.
From the outset, she was known for her ability to blend multiple disciplines, ranging from applied computing to nuclear detection techniques, which enabled her to quickly enter the circle of prominent researchers in nuclear physics and particle physics.
International Career Across America, Europe, and Africa
Laassiri currently holds a postdoctoral researcher position at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in the United States, one of the leading centers for high-energy physics in the world. She works as part of the ATLAS project team at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) operated by CERN in Switzerland. Her research focuses on developing new techniques for particle detectors and ensuring their quality and thermal safety.
Additionally, she serves as a visiting researcher at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa, reflecting her commitment to fostering South-South scientific collaboration. She aims to encourage African women to enter the fields of exact sciences through seminars and mentoring initiatives.
A Global Honor and a Humanitarian Message
Laassiri’s receipt of the UNESCO–Al Fozan Prize for 2025 solidifies her scientific journey and contributions to the development of detection technology, alongside her educational efforts in promoting science within the African continent. She believes that science is not limited to laboratory research but is also a means to serve humanity and impart knowledge to rising generations.
Connection to Identity and Inspiration for Future Generations
Despite her strong presence in the international scientific scene, Laassiri maintains a close connection to her Moroccan roots and cultural identity, considering her success abroad an extension of her pride in her national belonging. She embodies the image of a cosmopolitan scientist open to the world, yet deeply rooted in her origins.
Today, Laassiri has become a role model, especially for Moroccan, Arab, and African youth in a field still predominantly male-dominated. Her journey demonstrates that passion for science and perseverance can transcend barriers of gender, geography, and opportunities, keeping hope alive for translating scientific dreams into tangible achievements.
