Sharjah astrophysicist named a main brain

An astrophysicist at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) was recently chosen as one of the Arab world's leading thinkers.

Nidhal Guessoum, professor of physics, was honored by the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute (GDI), an independent think tank that focuses on society, consumption and economics. The institute's list put Guessom at 46th among prominent influences and opinion makers.  Other Arab "thinkers" on the list include economist Mohamed El-Erian, author Amin Maalouf, commentator Sultan Saoud Al-Qassemi, author Nassim Taleb and philosopher Taha Abdurrahman.
 
"I was delighted by the fact that GDI's analysis determined that some Arab scientists are important thought leaders and opinion makers in the Arab world; this bodes well for the future of our region," Guessoum said.
 
Guessoum, who researches gamma rays, is known throughout regional and international media for his work. Besides focusing on science and education, he frequently writes on topics related to the Arab world and Islam. He has delivered lectures at universities across the globe.
 
The Gottlieb Duttweiler defines a thought leader as "a living person who works primarily as a thinker, and is known and influential beyond the borders of their discipline."