Born on March 3, 1917, in Al-Gharbiya Governorate,

Dr. Sameera Moussa was an outstanding Egyptian scientist; she was the only Egyptian to be given access to the secret laboratories in the United States as a pioneering nuclear researcher. In 1939, Sameera Moussa obtained a B.Sc. in biology, First Class Honors, from the Faculty of Science where she was appointed as a demonstrator. Then she became the first Assistant Professor at the same faculty and the first woman to hold a university post. Being the first to obtain a Ph.D. degree in atomic radiation, she earnestly sought to make nuclear treatment available for every one. She used to say, "I'll make nuclear treatment as available and as cheap as aspirin."

 

Moreover, she obtained a Ph.D. degree in properties of material absorption of X-rays. In England, she pursued her studies, devoting her efforts to make available the full peaceful use of the atom in combating cancer especially after her mother went through a fierce battle against cancer. Throughout her intensive research, she came up with a historic equation that would help break the atoms of cheap metals such as copper, paving the way for a nuclear bomb almost for free.

 

With an overwhelming drive to impart her knowledge to those who crave for help, she sponsored a call for setting an international conference under the banner "Atom for Peace" where many scientific figures were invited. The conference made a number of recommendations for setting up a committee for the protection against the nuclear bomb hazards in which she was an active member.

 

Sameera Moussa received a scholarship from the Fulbright Atomic Program in order to be acquainted with the up-to-date atomic researches at California University. In recognition of her outstanding talent, deep knowledge and expertise, she was allowed to visit the US secret atomic facilities. The visit raised vehement debate in US academic and scientific circles as Sameera was the first "alien" to have access to such facilities.

 

  She turned down several proposals to be granted the U.S. citizenship and preferred to return home to pursue her dream of harnessing atomic power for peace and the welfare of all humanity.

 

   Her library – abounded in books in all branches of science – was dedicated after her death to the Atomic Department of the National Research Centre. The library also contained a selection of literary works, musical notes as well as Arabic and foreign books by eminent men of letters such as Taha Hussein, al-Jahiz, al-Aqqad, Tawfeeq el-Hakeem, Jean-Jacque Rousseau - to name but a few. The library was also rich in her own writings, scientific essays on Madame Curie, human struggle and other themes. In one of her articles, she said, "Science should integrate with philosophy; reality is not always that plain but rather complicated if not sometimes misleading and challenging."

 

  In recognition to her efforts, she was granted many awards –abstract and concrete. Among them were:

 

     - In 1953, she was honored by the Egyptian Army.

    - In 1981, she was awarded the Order of Science and Arts, First Class, by Late President Anwar Sadat.

     -  A laboratory at the Faculty of Science and a school in her village were named after her.

     -  The Egyptian TV transmitted a serial titled "The Immortal" dramatizing her biography.

     - In 1998, while celebrating the Egyptian Woman Day, it was decided to establish a cultural solace in her birth place bearing her name.

      -  A book was published covering her life and scientific contributions.

 

   On August 5th, 1952, she intended to return back home, but she was invited to go on a trip. On the way, the bus rushed down from a height to 40 feet depth and died immediately. Sameera Moussa is still remembered by millions of Egyptians with love and devotion for all her achievements, endeavors as well as her dream to see Egyptian laboratories equipped with advanced technological apparatus and instruments.