Professor Chennaoui is a professor at the Hassan II University of Casablanca, where she has pioneered the field of meteoritics and planetary science in Morocco and across the MENA region. Over the past two decades, she has established herself as a global reference in the study of meteorites, contributing to groundbreaking research on their classification, geochemistry, and planetary implications. She is also the founder of the ATTARIK Foundation for Meteoritics and Planetary Science and the curator of Morocco’s first permanent meteorite exhibition, “Meteorites: Messengers from the Sky”.
Selected publication
Tissint Martian Meteorite: A Fresh Look at the Interior, Surface, and Atmosphere of Mars
Science (2012), H. Chennaoui Aoudjehane, et al.
Residency period
From September 2025 to June 2026.
Residency at IAS-UM6P:
During her residency at the UM6P Institute for Advanced Studies, Prof. Hasnaa Chennaoui leads the project “Stardust from Morocco: Unveiling the Science and Stories of Meteorites.” The project aims to document, study, and disseminate knowledge on Moroccan meteorites, highlighting their scientific, cultural, and educational significance while strengthening planetary science research and public engagement in Morocco.
A central component of the residency is the preparation of a comprehensive reference book dedicated to Moroccan meteorites. This work brings together scientific analyses, historical documentation, and field data to provide a detailed account of meteorite falls and finds across the country, their classification and composition, and their contributions to understanding planetary formation, the origins of water, and extraterrestrial materials. By compiling this information into a single resource, the project aims to fill a significant gap in global scientific literature on meteorites.
In parallel, the project includes the development of an illustrated storybook focused on a major Moroccan meteorite fall, designed to make planetary science accessible to wider audiences and younger generations. Through storytelling and visual material, the initiative promotes awareness of Morocco’s geoheritage while fostering interest in science and space research. The residency also supports the organization of workshops, exhibitions, and outreach activities in collaboration with research institutions and cultural partners, further connecting scientific research with public engagement.
By combining academic research, science communication, and educational initiatives, the project contributes to advancing planetary science at UM6P and internationally, while promoting Morocco’s unique meteorite heritage and strengthening links between scientific discovery and society.