Malik Maaza
UNESCO UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences & Nanotechnology
Biography
Prof Dr M Maaza, holds an UG/PG degrees in Solid State Physics & Photonics from University of Oran-Algeria & Paris VI-France University Marie Curie. He holds a PhD in Quantum Neutron Optics, from the University of Paris VI-France. He has about 2-decades of experience in nano-sciences with a focus on nano-photonics applications. His interests include investigation of surface-interface phenomena, low dimensional systems and nano-materials using optical based spectroscopies & large facilities such as synchrotrons and neutron research reactors while in France, Austria, Russia & Germany mainly. Prof. Maaza has produced numerous formal scientific publications mentored several postgraduates. He has co-initiated the South African National Laser Centre (NLC) & was instrumental in initiating & implementing the African Laser Centre(ALC). Likewise, he has initiated the South African Nanotechnology Initiative (SANi) as well as the Nanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET) supported by the ICTP & UNESCO, IAEA and for which he is the chairman elect. Currently, he is the UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences & Nanotechnology. Prof. M. Maaza is a fellow of the African Academy of Science, fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry-London, fellow of the Islamic Academy of Science as well as the New York academy of Science. Being a joint staff of UNISA & NRF, he is in charge of the Africa & International Relations desk of iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation. Prof. M. Maaza seats in several national and international commissions including the UNESCO-l’Oreal international award jury, the AU Obasanjo Africa award as well as the AU Nkwame Nkrumah African award in STI.