Professor El Gamal's first encounter with advanced probability theory failed, a moment that could easily have marked the end of the journey.
Instead, it became the beginning of one of the most influential scientific careers to emerge from the Arab world.
Educated at Cairo University and later a leading figure at Stanford University, El Gamal went on to shape entire fields in information theory, digital communications, and semiconductor technology.
His work helped lay the theoretical foundations of modern networks, from wired broadband systems to successive generations of wireless communication. His contributions to programmable circuits and image sensors transformed how devices are designed, built, and used.
That scientific legacy was recently recognized with the Arab Genius Award from the United Arab Emirates, adding to a long list of the world’s highest honours, including the Claude E. Shannon Award, the Richard W. Hamming Medal, and election to the US National Academy of Engineering.
Yet for El Gamal, accolades matter less than impact, and still less than the people behind the work.
In this interview with Ahram Online, El Gamal reflects on the formative role of Cairo University, contrasts Arab and American academic cultures, and argues that the real challenge facing the Arab world is not the loss of talent abroad, but the failure to invest seriously in research, institutions, and long-term scientific capacity.
Ahram Online: How did you learn that you had won the Arab Genius Award, and what did it mean to you?
Abbas El Gamal: I learned about the award during a Zoom meeting with UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Al Gergawi.
I had been told I would meet him, but nothing more. When he congratulated me on winning such a prestigious award, it came as a complete surprise.
The award means a great deal to me. Although I left Egypt and the Arab world more than fifty years ago, Egypt and the Arab world have never left me. Receiving this recognition, especially under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, gave me a deep sense of satisfaction and connection.
AO: How do you assess the importance of the Arab Genius Award compared with global prizes, and can it help address “brain drain”?
AE: The Arab Genius Awards began very strongly. Among the recipients are Professor Omar Yaghi, who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry this year, and Dr Mohamed El-Erian, one of the world’s leading economists.
Awards matter to scientists across disciplines, whether in engineering, economics, architecture, literature, or the arts.
I believe this award helps reframe the concept of “brain drain,” shifting it from loss to opportunity by emphasizing global engagement and knowledge exchange that can ultimately benefit the region.
As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said upon my receiving the award, “Your achievement proves that the Arab nation possesses minds capable of shaping and leading its scientific future.”
AO: Do you agree that the Arab world “possesses the minds,” and what is required to turn this potential into reality?
AE: I completely agree. The Arab world has the intellectual capacity to shape and lead the future of science and technology.
This award is an important step in inspiring the next generation of Arab scientists and engineers to pursue ambitious research paths with confidence.
To realize this vision, Arab governments, universities, and industry must invest more seriously in scientific research, collaboration, and long-term capacity building.
Talent alone is not enough; it must be supported by institutions, funding, and a culture that values knowledge.
AO: How did Cairo University shape your scientific outlook, and how did that experience compare with Stanford?
AE: The five years I spent at Cairo University were among the most influential periods of my life. At the time, the Faculty of Engineering attracted Egypt’s top students.
There was a strong collective spirit, deep commitment to learning, and great enthusiasm for technology. Professors such as the late Professor Hammam Mohamed Mahmoud were true role models, and that environment shaped my approach to problem-solving.
At Stanford, the challenge was initially intense. I performed very poorly on my first probability exam and even considered returning to Egypt.
Instead, I immersed myself in study, and that effort paid off. From then on, I adapted easily to the American system, which emphasizes critical thinking and analysis far more than memorization.
AO: Your work in network information theory is considered foundational. How did it influence modern communication systems?
AE: When Claude Shannon introduced information theory in 1948, it was a conceptual breakthrough. He showed that reliable communication over noisy channels is possible up to a calculable limit known as channel capacity.
Although Shannon did not provide practical coding methods, his ideas laid the foundation for the digital revolution.
With the rise of digital networks in the 1970s, researchers expanded this theory to systems involving multiple senders and receivers.
I was fortunate to work with Thomas Cover, one of the pioneers in this field.
Since then, network information theory has matured and had a real impact on modern communication systems, from DSL to wireless technologies, including 3G, 5G, and future 6G networks.
AO: You were involved in major technological shifts such as CMOS image sensors and FPGA circuits. Did you foresee their impact?
AE: Not at all. When we began exploring CMOS image sensors, mobile phones were voice-only devices, and imaging relied on film or CCD sensors. CMOS technology was not initially taken seriously as a competitor.
Similarly, before FPGAs, electronic design required long, expensive fabrication cycles. FPGAs changed this by allowing designers to program hardware electrically, dramatically reducing time, cost, and risk.
These technologies ultimately transformed electronics, imaging, and consumer devices in ways few anticipated at the outset.
AO: Among your many patents, which innovations best represent your scientific contribution?
AE: Two stand out. The first is my original FPGA patent, which introduced an efficient way to implement customized designs on programmable hardware rather than manufacturing new chips.
The second is the digital pixel sensor, which performs analogue-to-digital conversion at the pixel level. This allowed cameras to capture scenes with wide dynamic range while consuming far less power, a key advance in modern imaging.
AO: How do you balance the roles of researcher, academic leader, and mentor?
AE: As a researcher, my focus is on discovery, mentoring students, securing funding, and publishing results. As a department chair, the role expands to recruiting faculty, shaping strategy, securing resources, and fostering a strong academic community.
Both roles matter, but at this stage of my career, I am fortunate to focus primarily on research and mentoring.
AO: What are you currently working on, and how does it connect to emerging fields such as AI?
AE: I am currently preparing a major revision of Elements of Information Theory, one of the most widely used textbooks in the field. The third edition will incorporate applications in artificial intelligence and computer science.
Network information theory underpins AI, particularly in understanding learning limits and training efficiency. It also plays a central role in the development of future communication systems.
AO: How do you assess Arab scientific research today, and how can expatriate scientists contribute more effectively?
AE: Research in the Arab world has strong potential but requires greater governmental and industrial support, broader international collaboration, and sustained long-term investment.
Arab researchers abroad already contribute at the highest levels. To maximize their impact, countries must create environments for genuine, mutually beneficial collaboration.
Initiatives like the Arab Genius Award are important steps in that direction.
AO: Which fields could drive a scientific and technological breakthrough in Egypt and the Arab world?
AE: Priorities should be shaped by regional needs, but I would highlight artificial intelligence and its productive applications, green energy, and ensuring access to healthy food and clean water.
AO: How would you like your legacy to be remembered?
AE: I would not want any university or research centre to carry my name. Any achievement is shared with students, colleagues, and mentors.
We often celebrate individual “genius,” but behind every success is a team, a supportive environment, and an element of luck.
My hope is simply to see stronger universities and research centres across the Arab world.
AO: To whom do you dedicate this award?
AE: I dedicate this award to my teachers from primary school through graduate studies, especially my late doctoral advisor Thomas Cover; to my students and research colleagues; and to my family.
Above all, I dedicate it to my wife, Dr Susan El-Tarhany, whose love, support, and sacrifices made everything possible.
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