Moroccan Scientists at the Heart of Groundbreaking Discovery: A World-First High-Energy Neutrino Detection

Moroccan scientists have been instrumental in the recent historic detection of an exceptionally high-energy neutrino by the international KM3NeT telescope in the Mediterranean Sea, marking a significant milestone in high-energy astrophysics.

This major scientific achievement, made possible by the KM3NeT underwater telescope, highlights Morocco's active role in cutting-edge research. The study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, relied on this international telescope—a colossal detector born from a global collaboration, of which Morocco is a key member, according to Professor Yahya Tayalati, the national coordinator of the KM3NeT project in Morocco, as reported by MAP (Maghreb Arabe Presse).

Professor Tayalati, a professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat and affiliated professor at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University of Benguerir (UM6P), describes the KM3NeT telescope as a large, multidisciplinary research infrastructure comprising a network of underwater detectors situated 3,000 meters deep in the Mediterranean abyss. The primary goal is to detect and study neutrinos by capturing the light emitted when these particles interact with seawater.

The KM3NeT telescope is the product of international collaboration, uniting renowned institutes and researchers from 21 countries, including Morocco. The Moroccan consortium consists of Mohammed V University of Rabat, Mohammed I University of Oujda, Cadi Ayyad University of Marrakech, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University of Benguerir as official members, with the National Center for Energy, Science, and Nuclear Technology (CNESTEN) as an observing member.

Professor Tayalati explained that the signal, named KM3-230213A, with an energy of 220 PeV (220 million billion electron volts), was captured on February 13, 2023, by the KM3NeT detector deep in the Mediterranean.

This discovery, equivalent to ten thousand times the energy produced by the world's largest particle collider, opens new perspectives on extreme astrophysical phenomena, such as supermassive black holes, supernovas, and gamma-ray bursts—sources of ultra-high-energy cosmic neutrinos capable of traversing the universe.

Highlighting Morocco's role as a partner in KM3NeT, Professor Tayalati notes that the Kingdom joined the collaboration in 2016 and established two KM3NeT construction sites—the only ones outside Europe. One is located at the Faculty of Sciences in Rabat, dedicated to integrating digital optical modules that detect the light trails produced by neutrinos. The other is at the Faculty of Sciences in Oujda, focused on integrating the electronics needed to communicate with these optical modules.

The scientist emphasizes Morocco's commitment to this international project, with Moroccan researchers playing key roles in various physics programs.

"The Kingdom's involvement in this major breakthrough illustrates the importance that Moroccan universities place on scientific research and their strategic role in cutting-edge projects worldwide," he states, noting that this initiative represents a genuine opportunity for high-tech transfer to Morocco, enhancing the mastery of tools and know-how that will open opportunities for industrialists and new prospects for young researchers in the country.

According to him, this major scientific advancement is the result of high-level collaborative work involving teams of researchers whose expertise and commitment have pushed the boundaries of our understanding of the universe. He adds that the publication of this result by the specialized journal Nature is a recognition of the quality and global impact of this work.

"We are proud to bring Moroccan research to the world stage and to contribute to a scientific and technological advancement that will mark the history of particle astrophysics," he rejoices.

The coordinator of the KM3NeT project at Mohammed I University of Oujda, Abdelilah Moussa, notes that "this discovery is the result of an exceptional collective effort that demonstrates that scientific excellence can be carried by young researchers engaged in leading international projects."

He also stresses that "this success illustrates the importance of structured and sustainable support for actors who actively contribute to the influence of scientific and technological research."

Strengthening these initiatives represents a valuable opportunity to stimulate innovation and enhance Morocco's scientific potential, while promoting the emergence of a new generation of scientists through targeted mentoring programs, he said.