Looking back on my journey, I am reminded of the challenges, the doubts, and the moments where the future seemed uncertain. The beginning was far from easy.
I began my academic career in Egypt, earning both my B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Metallurgy and Materials Engineering in 2000. However, like many in my field at the time, I faced significant challenges, primarily due to a lack of research equipment and resources. I knew that to advance my career and make meaningful contributions to his field, I needed to pursue my doctoral research at a leading European university.
In 2004, I found that opportunity at the University of Oulu, Finland, where I joined the Materials Engineering laboratory to pursue my Ph.D. under the supervision of Professor Pentti Karjalainen, an esteemed expert in the field. This marked the first major step in my journey towards becoming one of the top 2% of scientists in the world.
Working with Prof. Karjalainen was transformative. I learned the importance of doing "SMART" research—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This mindset became foundational to my academic career, helping me produce high-quality publications and maintain a focus on impactful research. Over time, I refined my skills in conducting efficient, high-impact research across a range of topics, with a special focus on advanced steels.
After completing my Ph.D., I deepened his expertise in advanced steels as a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for Advanced Steels Research (CASR) at the University of Oulu. In 2014, I returned to Egypt as an Associate Professor at the Egypt-Japan University of Science and Technology. For three productive years, I taught both undergraduate and postgraduate students, while immersing myself in the unique academic environment of a Japanese university. This period further sharpened my skills in perseverance and dedication, as I adapted to the rigorous work ethic required in Japanese academia.
In 2019, I took another major step in my career by joining the Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) group at the Kerttu Saalasti Institute. My research here was centered on advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing and laser welding of advanced high-strength steels. This period was pivotal in my journey, as my research became highly relevant to emerging technologies, resulting in publications that attracted significant citations from the scientific community.
I think that the key factor in my recognition as a top scientist is my extensive international collaboration. Over the years, I have built a vast network across academia and industry, working closely with experts from countries such as Germany, the USA, Iran, Egypt, and Japan. My contributions to joint publications and international research projects have not only enhanced my own work but have also driven innovation in the broader scientific community, particularly in the fields of advanced steels and additive manufacturing.
To those in academia facing similar challenges, I offer this advice: "The journey is not easy, and the path can often seem daunting, but it is the persistence that makes all the difference. Keep going, one step at a time. Every challenge is an opportunity, and each step forward brings its own rewards." My path to being listed among the world’s top scientists has been defined by resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to advancing knowledge. His journey is a testament to the power of hard work, international collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence in scientific research.
Read more: What is the World’s Top 2% Scientists List by Stanford University?
Author: Atef Hamada, Ph.D. (materials engineering), Senior Researcher, University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute, Future Manufacturing Technologies (FMT) Research Group
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