IAEA Profile: From Chemistry Labs to Nuclear Security

Zeinab joined the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA) as a teaching assistant in December 2006 and within two years, became a nuclear safeguards inspector.  

“That was a game changer,” she said. “I moved from pure chemistry to nuclear science, which opened an entirely new world for me.”  

In 2014, Zeinab became Head of the Nuclear Security Administration at the EAEA . “I was the first and only woman in that position,” she recalled. “It was not easy, but every obstacle became another reason to work harder.” 

Zeinab’s leadership shaped Egypt’s national framework for nuclear security and helped build technical capacity for nuclear security at the national level. Her expertise soon earned international recognition.  Over the years, she collaborated extensively with the IAEA, supporting training courses across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. 

In 2021, she joined the IAEA’s Division of Nuclear Security — a milestone she considers a defining point in her career. “When I was selected by the IAEA, it felt like the culmination of fifteen years of effort,” she said. 

At the IAEA, Zeinab supports countries to enhance their nuclear security regimes and develop sustainable capacity building programmes. She sees herself as both a scientist and a nuclear security specialist.  

“Being a professor is something I’ve never left behind,” she said. “My scientific background keeps me grounded and connected to my roots.”  

Throughout her career, Zeinab faced skepticism. Some questioned whether a young woman could lead in such a demanding field.  

“At times, I had to prove that competence has no gender,” she said. “It was not easy, but I believed in my potential and refused to give up. My family initially worried about my long hours and demanding workload, but they always reminded me to take care of myself - they became my biggest supporters.” 

As a professor and mentor, Zeinab Hassan remains concerned about the future of science education. She observes that while curiosity once drove students, many young people today struggle to stay focused amid distractions of social media, which affects their focus and motivation. Yet, Zeinab urges her students to pursue their goals, turning setbacks into motivation, and maintaining confidence through challenges. Her message to young girls: “Make every effort to make your dreams come true.”  

The IAEA is committed to gender equality and to supporting the ability of all individuals, regardless of gender, to equally contribute to and benefit from its programmes and activities.?? 

In 2020, the IAEA launched the?Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP)?to support the next generation of women nuclear professionals by offering scholarships for master’s degree in nuclear-related fields.  The IAEA’s?Lise Meitner Programme, launched in March 2023, offers early- and mid-career women multiweek training visits to nuclear facilities.?? 

Read more about the IAEA’s work on?gender equality, and apply ?for?vacancies, internships or pipelines.??