Prof Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli is an AAS Fellow and a member of the AAS Board of Directors, The Governing Council. She is the Vice President for the Northern Africa region.
Moroccan nuclear physicist Prof Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli has garnered international recognition for her innovative contributions to science and research. Her inclusion in the Forbes 50 Over 50 list for the Middle East and Africa (MENA) highlights her exceptional achievements in the field. Additionally, her pivotal role in Morocco's participation in the ATLAS collaboration at CERN underscores her global impact and influence in the scientific community. 
Early years and education
Born and raised amidst the rich cultural tapestry of Morocco, Prof Rajaâ's childhood was marked by a deep-seated love for learning. Despite facing societal pressures to conform to traditional gender roles, she pursued her education with unwavering resolve. "It's a career that would not have existed had she not convinced her father to let her seek out a graduate degree in France in the early 1980s," Forbes wrote, highlighting the pivotal role her determination played in shaping her destiny. Inspired by her father's vision of independence through education, Prof Rajaâ embarked on a journey that would lead her to the forefront of scientific discovery.
A serendipitous journey into nuclear physics
Prof Rajaâ's journey into the world of nuclear physics was anything but conventional. A twist of fate led her from the halls of architecture to the intricacies of nuclear physics—a serendipitous moment that would shape the course of her career. "Life is a series of accidents," she reflects, highlighting the fortuitous turn of events that set her on the path to scientific discovery. 
Ground-breaking research and global Impact
As the head of the Laboratory of Nuclear Physics in Rabat, Prof Rajaâ spearheaded groundbreaking research initiatives that transcended borders and garnered international acclaim. Her contributions to international scientific collaborations, including her pivotal role in Morocco's participation in the ATLAS collaboration at CERN, solidified her reputation as a global leader in her field. "The more I study, the more I learn and the more I feel that knowledge is limitless," she remarks, encapsulating her relentless pursuit of academic excellence.
Nurturing the next generation of scientists
Beyond the confines of academia, Prof Rajaâ's influence extended into the realm of education, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of scientists. Through the creation of Morocco's first master's program in medical physics and her unwavering dedication to mentoring students, she ensured that her legacy would endure for generations to come. "A teacher does not only teach, he must help his students to exploit their abilities," she says, underscoring her commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientific pioneers.
Recognition and legacy
Prof Rajaâ's contributions to the field of nuclear physics have not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she became the first Moroccan to receive the L'Oréal-UNESCO award for Women in Science, representing Africa and the Arab States. Her trailblazing efforts have paved the way for women in STEM, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions and defy societal expectations.
As Professor Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli continues to chart new frontiers and inspire future generations, her journey serves as a beacon of hope and resilience—a testament to the power of determination and the boundless potential of the human spirit. Her unwavering dedication to scientific discovery and commitment to empowering others stand as a testament to her enduring legacy in the field of nuclear physics.