The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) proudly congratulates Professor Rajaâ Cherkaoui El Moursli, distinguished physicist, AAS Fellow, and member of the AAS Governing Council, on being named a laureate of the 2025 Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics—one of the world’s most prestigious honours in science. Prof Cherkaoui El Moursli currently serves as Vice President for Northern Africa on the AAS Governing Council, where she continues to champion scientific excellence, equity, and collaboration across the continent.

The Breakthrough Prize, often referred to as the “Oscars of Science,” celebrates exceptional contributions that transform our understanding of the universe. Prof Cherkaoui El Moursli was recognized for her outstanding contributions to particle physics and her pioneering role in advancing Morocco’s participation in major international research collaborations, notably the ATLAS experiment at CERN, which played a pivotal role in the discovery of the Higgs boson—the particle that helps explain how matter acquires mass. Her scientific achievements have not only advanced global physics research but have also positioned Africa as an active contributor to the world’s most ambitious scientific endeavours.

Elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (FAAS) in 2015, Prof Cherkaoui El Moursli embodies the AAS mandate to recognize, promote, and support excellence in science. Her election was a recognition of her sustained leadership in scientific research, capacity building, and advocacy for women in science—values that continue to define her career and align with the Academy’s vision of transforming lives through science in Africa.

Beyond her groundbreaking research, Prof Cherkaoui El Moursli has been a trailblazer in building scientific infrastructure and talent in Morocco and the broader region. As a professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, she has mentored generations of young scientists, advocated for gender parity in STEM, and fostered partnerships that have elevated African representation in global research networks. Her efforts have inspired countless young researchers, particularly women, to pursue careers in physics and engineering.

Prof Cherkaoui El Moursli’s global recognition reinforces the Academy’s belief that excellence knows no borders. It also underscores the importance of sustained investment in science, research infrastructure, and talent development across Africa. Her success story is a powerful reminder that when African scientists are supported and given the opportunity to lead, they contribute transformative knowledge to the global scientific community.