Professor Zouhair Atassi
Professor Zouhair Atassi was a prominent figure in the fields of biochemistry and immunology, particularly in the study of neurotoxins and autoimmune diseases.
A proud alumnus of the University of Birmingham, Zouhair generously supported the creation of Atassi Prizes, helping bring bright minds in biochemistry from across the globe to Birmingham to share their research and inspire and enthuse future generations of researchers.
The M. Zouhair Atassi Lecture, M. Zouhair Atassi Award and the M. Zouhair Atassi Student Award respectively recognise outstanding, original, innovative contributions in biochemistry, chemical biology, or molecular sciences.
Alumnus and donor Professor Zouhair Atassi
Zouhair began his academic career with a BSc in Chemistry at the University of Bristol, immediately going on to obtain a MSc (1958) and PhD (1960) from Birmingham. He graduated with a DSc in 1973.
He held tenures as Professor of Biochemistry and Immunology at Mayo Medical School in Rochester, Minnesota, and at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Zouhair’s other previous positions were as Professor and Chairman of the Biochemistry Division at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan; Assistant Professor of Biochemistry at the State University of New York at Buffalo, New York; and as Postdoctoral Research Fellow for the Division of Laboratories and Research of the New York State Health Department in Albany, New York.
He finished his career as Professor Emeritus at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, where he held the Robert A. Welch Chair from 1983 to 2017.
Zouhair published widely in scientific journals and authored over 400 articles. He was editor and co-editor of a range of academic journals; sat on the editorial boards of several further publications and edited multiple academic textbooks.
Among the honours and awards he received were The Kuwait Prize in Basic Sciences, Tohuku Medical Society Award, The Harden Medal, and the Medico-Legal Society of Japan Award for distinction in research.
Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Research and Professor of Chemistry, said: “I had the pleasure of meeting Professor Atassi and his wife, Dr Lena, and was struck not only by his scientific achievements but also by his warmth and generosity.
“His dedication to advancing knowledge was matched by his commitment to supporting future generations of researchers through the Atassi Prizes. We are proud to count him among the University of Birmingham’s distinguished alumni.”
Professor Neil Champness, Head of School of Chemistry, said: “Zouhair was not only an excellent scientist but his commitment to supporting researchers through the Atassi Prizes has left a legacy of excellence at the University of Birmingham. We are lucky that he was one of our alumni family.”
He is survived by his wife, Dr Lena Moussa-Pasha, his daughter Dr Shana Atassi, grandchildren Owen and Audrey, as well as extended family.