Famous Egyptian Scientists

Ahmed Zewail was an Egyptian-American chemist, known as the "father of femtochemistry." He was awarded the 1999 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his groundbreaking work in this field, making him the first Egyptian and Arab to win a Nobel Prize in a scientific discipline. Zewail served as the Linus Pauling Chair Professor of Chemistry, a professor of physics, and the director of the Physical Biology Center for Ultrafast Science and Technology at the California Institute of Technology.

Diophantus of Alexandria was a Greek mathematician known for his works on arithmetical problems and algebraic equations. He authored the incomplete On Polygonal Numbers and the extant Arithmetica, which utilized algebraic notation to solve mathematical problems. Diophantus recognized positive rational numbers and introduced the concept of παρισότης for approximate equality. His contributions paved the way for the development of algebra and number theory, inspiring later mathematicians in analysis and Diophantine equations. His legacy includes the fields of Diophantine geometry and Diophantine approximations.

William Donald Hamilton was a British evolutionary biologist renowned for his groundbreaking work on the genetic basis of altruism, contributing significantly to the gene-centered view of evolution. He was a key figure in the development of sociobiology and made important contributions to understanding sex ratios and the evolution of sex. Hamilton held the position of Royal Society Research Professor at Oxford University from 1984 until his passing in 2000. His work has been highly influential in the field of evolutionary theory, earning him praise as one of the most significant evolutionary theorists of the 20th century.

Apollonius of Perga was an ancient Greek geometer and astronomer known for his significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in the field of conic sections. He further developed the work of Euclid and Archimedes, defining the terms ellipse, parabola, and hyperbola as they are known today. Apollonius is regarded as one of the greatest mathematicians of antiquity, alongside his predecessors. In addition to geometry, he delved into astronomy, proposing eccentric orbits to explain planetary motions. His work, though mostly lost, continues to influence the realms of mathematics and science.

Theon of Alexandria was a renowned Greek scholar and mathematician based in Alexandria, Egypt. He is notable for his editorial work on Euclid's Elements, organizing and enhancing the mathematical text. Additionally, Theon authored insightful commentaries on the works of Euclid and Ptolemy, contributing to the understanding and dissemination of their ideas. His expertise and contributions to mathematics were highly regarded during his time and continue to be recognized in the field of mathematics and scholarship.

Pappus of Alexandria was a Greek mathematician known for his work as a mathematics teacher in Alexandria. His best-known work, the Collection, is a compendium of mathematics covering topics such as geometry, astronomy, and mechanics. Pappus made significant contributions to projective geometry, particularly with his hexagon theorem. Despite living during a period of stagnation in mathematical studies, Pappus stood out as a remarkable exception, with his work becoming influential in later periods, similar to the trajectory of Diophantus.

Ctesibius of Alexandria was a renowned Greek inventor and mathematician during the Ptolemaic era in Egypt. He is believed to have been the first head of the Museum of Alexandria. Ctesibius was known for his pioneering work in the field of pneumatics, writing the first treatises on compressed air and its applications in pumps and other devices. Although none of his written works have survived, his inventions, particularly the hydraulis or pipe organ, have left a lasting legacy in the history of technology and music.

Sosigenes of Alexandria was an esteemed Ancient Greek astronomer known for his expertise in the field. He played a significant role in history by advising Julius Caesar on the design of the Julian calendar. His contributions to astronomy and calendar-making were highly regarded during the 1st century BC. Sosigenes's collaboration with Caesar demonstrated his reputation as a knowledgeable and skilled professional in his field. His work with the Julian calendar has had a lasting impact on timekeeping and historical chronology.

Hamed Abdel-Samad is a German-Egyptian author known for his critical views on Islam. He is a prominent figure in discussions on religion and culture, frequently appearing in the media to share his perspectives. Abdel-Samad has written several books exploring topics such as Islamic history, political Islam, and the challenges of integration in Western societies. His works have sparked debates and controversies, contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding Islam and its impact on contemporary society.

Tamim Al-Barghouti is a prominent figure in the Arab world, being a poet, columnist, and political scientist. He is widely known as the "poet of Jerusalem" and has garnered a large readership. With a PhD in political science from Boston University, he has established himself as a respected academic in his field. Al-Barghouti's professional life is characterized by his contributions to literature, journalism, and political analysis, reflecting a deep-rooted interest in the cultural and political landscape of the region.

Menelaus of Alexandria, a Greek astronomer and mathematician, made significant contributions in the field of geometry and astronomy. His surviving work, Sphaerica, focused on the geometry of the sphere and introduced the concept of the spherical triangle. This influential book was translated into Arabic and later retranslated by Francesco Maurolico, a prominent mathematician and astronomer from the 16th century. Menelaus's professional legacy lies in his pioneering exploration of spherical geometry, which continues to influence scholars in the field of mathematics and astronomy.

Taher Elgamal is an Egyptian cryptographer and entrepreneur known for his significant contributions to computer security. He has held prominent positions such as Chief Technology Officer of Security at Salesforce, founder and CEO of Securify, and director of engineering at RSA Security. Elgamal's work at Netscape Communications earned him the title of the "father of SSL" for establishing secure communications on the Internet. His paper on the ElGamal discrete log cryptosystem and signature scheme laid the foundation for the widely adopted Digital Signature Algorithm (DSA) by NIST.

Al-Damiri, also known as Kamal al-Din Muhammad ibn Musa al-Damiri, was a prominent Shafi'i Sunni scholar, jurist, traditionist, theologian, and expert in Arabic during the late medieval period in Cairo. He was highly respected for his contributions to Muslim jurisprudence and natural history. His most notable work, Ḥayāt al-ḥayawān al-kubrā, written around 1371, was the first comprehensive study of zoological knowledge in Arabic. Al-Damiri's professional life was characterized by his scholarly pursuits in various fields, leaving a lasting impact on Islamic scholarship.

Alam al-Din Ibn-Abidin al-Hanafi was an Egyptian mathematician, astronomer, and engineer known for his significant contributions during the Ayyubid period. He wrote a treatise on Euclid's postulates, designed water mills and fortifications along the Orontes river, and built the second oldest Arab celestial globe. His celestial globe aided in astronomical calculations and astrological purposes. Al-Hanafi's hydraulic engineering works on the Orontes river are considered among the best in the Arab world, with many structures still standing today.

Mostafa Kamal Tolba was an Egyptian scientist known for his significant contributions to environmental protection. He served as the executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme for seventeen years, during which he played a key role in developing the Montreal Protocol. This groundbreaking international agreement aimed at protecting the ozone layer, leading to the prevention of numerous adverse health impacts, such as skin cancer. Tolba's leadership and dedication to environmental issues have left a lasting impact on global efforts to preserve the Earth's ecosystems.