Algerian physicist Noureddine Melikechi honoured at UMass
University of Massachusetts establishes a faculty innovation fellowship named after the Algerian dean.
The University of Massachusetts has permanently honoured Algerian physicist Noureddine Melikechi by naming a new faculty innovation fellowship after him. The program, called the "Dean Noureddine Melikechi Endowed Kennedy College of Sciences Faculty Innovation Fellowships," will fund professors with novel research and education ideas. The university launched the initiative with an initial investment of $2.5 million.
Melikechi, who is the dean of the Kennedy College of Sciences, expressed surprise and honour at the recognition, stating he did not expect such an accolade during his lifetime. He earned his physics degree from the University of Bab Ezzouar in Algiers before continuing his studies in the UK and later the US. His research spans atomic, molecular, and optical physics, including contributions to spectroscopy and biophotonics.
The fellowship aims to foster innovative research and education within the university's science programs. Melikechi is also a member of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission team and serves on Algeria's High Council of Scientists Abroad. He has received numerous awards, including a NASA Group Achievement Award in 2013.
Why it mattersAlgerian academics and researchers are recognized internationally for their contributions to science.