In a prestigious ceremony held in Doha, Qatar on December 15, 2024, attended by prominent Arab and international officials and experts, the Arab Scientific Community Organization (ARSCO), in partnership with UNESCO and ALECSO (Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization), announced the selection of Professor Adil Salhi (Abdelmalek Essaadi University) as the Best Arab Scientist of 2024. This accolade honors researchers and scientists who contribute innovative solutions to pressing global challenges.

Adil Salhi, Co-coordinator of the UNIMED Subnetwork on Climate and Environmental Change, Moroccan full professor, holds two PhDs and three master’s degrees in Earth and Water Sciences from the universities of Barcelona, Seville, and Abdelmalek Essaadi. He is an international expert accredited by the European Union, and holder of pioneering projects with NASA. Over his career, he has received 18 competitive national and international awards and grants for his scientific work. 

The ceremony’s keynote speaker, Dr. Essam Shahrour, of the University of Lille, France, highlighted the rigorous competition for this award, with several distinguished Arab scientists vying for the honor. He stated that the unanimous selection of Adil Salhi reflected his groundbreaking research in disaster risk reduction, water resource management, and climate resilience. His impactful contributions extend beyond academia, influencing global projects and initiatives that address critical environmental challenges.

In her address, Dr. Moza Bint Mohammed Al-Rabban, President of ARSCO, emphasized the importance of such awards in elevating the status of scientific research in the Arab world. She reiterated the necessity of supporting Arab scientists to tackle challenges like climate change, crises, and disasters through localized knowledge and innovation.

Following the ceremony, a scientific workshop was organized, focusing on the role of science in disaster management. Professor Salhi, alongside esteemed Arab scientists, presented the latest research and solutions to mitigate the impacts of crises. In his speech, Adil Salhi expressed profound gratitude, stating, “This honor is not merely a recognition of personal effort but a testament to the transformative power of science in shaping a better future. I dedicate this achievement to all determined colleagues and researchers striving against odds to provide solutions to global challenges.“

UNIMED congratulates Prof. Salhi for this important award.