On September 27, 2026, Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamal Baddari, chaired the first meeting of the Supreme Council for the National Scientific Diaspora. The council, established by presidential decree on September 7, 2026, aims to harness the expertise of Algerian scientists abroad to contribute to the country's development. The meeting was attended by the National Coordinator of the Council, Professor Elias Zerrouni, and members from various European, Asian, and American countries.
The establishment of the Supreme Council for the National Scientific Diaspora reflects the Algerian government's strategic vision, led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to build a knowledge-based economy and promote inclusive development. Minister Baddari emphasized that the council marks a significant shift from ad-hoc relationships with expatriate Algerian scientists to institutionalized, permanent partnerships. This new approach seeks to integrate the scientific diaspora into the country's development process.
The council's primary objectives include providing scientific and technological advice to support and modernize the national economy, promoting a knowledge-based economy, and focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence. Additionally, the council will prioritize areas critical to the country's future, including cybersecurity, energy security, healthcare, and food and water security.
The council comprises 39 members, including 30 experts selected from the national scientific diaspora based on their international scientific reputation, strategic specialties, and expertise in fields such as health and knowledge economy. The council also includes representatives from various ministries, including Defense, Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Higher Education. Furthermore, three Algerian managers of economic institutions based abroad, which contribute to research and innovation, will also be part of the council.
The council's responsibilities include providing scientific and technological advice that leverages the expertise of the national scientific diaspora. It will focus on areas relevant to Algeria's development priorities, promoting the participation of expatriate Algerian scientists, and proposing sustainable mechanisms to link them to the national higher education, research, and innovation system.
The council will also contribute to evaluating the scientific and technological feasibility of projects initiated by the state or proposed by the council. Moreover, it will play a role in developing Algeria's national higher education, research, and innovation system, aligning it with international standards and facilitating the transition towards a knowledge-based economy.
The meeting took place at the Aurassi Hotel in Algiers, bringing together prominent figures from the scientific diaspora. The council's establishment and first meeting demonstrate Algeria's commitment to engaging its national expertise abroad in the country's development process, fostering a culture of innovation, and driving progress in various sectors.
Key points
- The Supreme Council for the National Scientific Diaspora aims to provide scientific and technological advice to support Algeria's development priorities.
- The council comprises 39 members, including experts from the national scientific diaspora and representatives from various ministries.
- The council's establishment reflects Algeria's strategic vision to build a knowledge-based economy and promote inclusive development.
