President Barack Obama's announcement that the Egyptian Nobel laureate Ahmed Zewail is among the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) was met with positive reactions in Egypt, especially in his birthplace Beheira. Mohammed Sharawi, Beheira Governor, said this choice is an honor to Egypt, calling on the new generations to take Zewail as a model of hard work and respect for science.
Beheira is proud of its son, he said, adding that he would soon invite him to visit Damanhour to see how it was developed and convey his experience to the province's youth. The Muslim Brotherhood (MB) leader Gamal Heshmat said Obama's choice proves that the US respects science and scientists regardless of their religion or origin, which is the cause behind its progress. This choice reflects the difference between what is happening in the U.S. and what is going on in Egypt, where scientists stage demonstrations to get their minimum living requirements.
The professors of Alexandria University said the choice is an honor to them, as Zewail is a graduate of the university's Faculty of Science. Mahmoud Hassan Gabr, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Alexandria University, said the choice was not courtesy, as Zewail was selected after he got the Nobel Prize.
Hassan Nadir Khairallah, President of Alexandria University, said he is proud of this choice, especially as Zewail is among the Egyptians who got the highest academic degrees abroad.
He added that the university is pleased and honored to hold cooperation initiatives with Zewail like those made with Dr. Mustafa El Sayed to draw upon their experience. Alexandria University will host Zewail in his first visit to Egypt. Dr. Saeed Abdu Nafei, Alexandria University Vice-President for Damanhour branch, said this choice proves that the world respects the Egyptian minds, which proved their superiority in all fields. Egypt should take advantage of all the Egyptian minds to bring about development and comprehensive renaissance in the coming period.
For his part, chairman of the committee defending Alexandria University Abdullah Sorour said Egypt has great scientists and capabilities that only excel abroad.
Sorour called for making use of Zewail's new post instead of only praising him after every position he occupies because this is hypocrisy.
