Ahmed H. Zewail

Ahmed H. Zewail was an Egyptian-American scientist renowned for his groundbreaking work in the field of molecular biophysics. He defined "femtochemistry," which studies chemical reactions on incredibly short timescales, allowing scientists to observe molecules as they transform. By using advanced laser techniques, Zewail made it possible to see how atoms move during a reaction, similar to using a high-speed camera to catch fleeting moments. His research has greatly enhanced our understanding of chemical processes, impacting fields like medicine and materials science. Zewail was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1999 for his pioneering contributions.