Rabat – Moroccan scientist Abdeljabbar El Manira has become the first representative from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to be appointed as a member of the Nobel Prize Medicine jury.
El Manira, who holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Sciences in Rabat and a Ph.D. from the University of Marseille in France, joined the Karolinska Institute as a postdoctoral fellow, focusing on spinal cord research.
He is the sole MENA region representative to be selected for a three-year term on the committee responsible for choosing the winners of the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
This prestigious appointment is a testament to the professor’s extensive research record and significant contributions to the field of neuroscience.
El Manira expressed his pride in being the first Arab to be elected as a member of the Nobel Prize Medicine jury, emphasizing the distinguished qualifications required to serve in this capacity at the Karolinska Institute.
The announcement came as the Nobel Prize season commenced on Monday with the declaration of the Nobel Prize in Medicine, the first of the esteemed Nobel categories.
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In an interview with Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), El Manira highlighted the promising future of Morocco in the field of scientific research, encouraging young Moroccan students and researchers to pursue their passions and embark on fulfilling research careers.
The Moroccan professor emphasized his gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with renowned scientists.
“As a Moroccan researcher, I am extremely fortunate to collaborate with some of the most accomplished scientists worldwide. I hope that my journey, experiences, and achievements serve as an inspiration to young Moroccan students and researchers,” he said.
He also spoke about the Nobel Prize selection criteria, emphasizing the importance of groundbreaking discoveries that fundamentally shift our understanding of a problem, defining it as a paradigm shift.
El Manira said that the laureates share a deep passion for their work, focusing on the joy they derive from it and the pursuit of true passion as a driving force behind their efforts.
