On September 28, 2026, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune met with members of the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad. The meeting took place in the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Minister of State Brahim Merad, Minister of National Defense General Saïd Chanegriha, and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Kamel Baddari. The council consists of 27 members, including renowned scientists from around the world.
The council is led by Professor Elias Zerhouni, a specialist in biomedical engineering and a prominent figure in the field of medicine and structural and functional medical imaging. Zerhouni previously served as director of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) from 2002 to 2008, becoming the first non-American to lead the institution. He has developed innovative techniques in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and scanning.
Other notable members of the council include Professor Kamel Youcef-Toumi, a specialist in mechanical engineering and robotics and an emeritus professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Youcef-Toumi has contributed to the development of high-speed control systems and has invented the high-speed atomic force microscope. The council also includes Professor Belgacem Haba, known as the "man with a thousand patents" for his over 1,500 inventions in electronic circuits.
The council also features Professor Karim Zaghib, a specialist in materials science and energy storage. Zaghib has conducted research on lithium-ion and lithium-iron-phosphate batteries used in electric vehicles and intelligent devices. His work has led to the creation of centers dedicated to energy transition and the development of dozens of patents and publications.
The Algerian government aims to benefit from the expertise of council members through a memorandum of understanding with the National Office of Geological and Mining Research (ORGM). The agreement aims to develop Algeria's lithium sector as a strategic pillar of the country's energy transition. Several council members have significant achievements in their respective fields.
Professor Mohamed Lachemi, a specialist in civil engineering and structural engineering, has made pioneering advances in developing high-performance concrete. Lachemi has a prestigious academic career in university management and higher education. Another notable member is Professor Yasmine Belkaid, director general of the Pasteur Institute in Paris and the first woman to lead the institution.
The meeting between President Tebboune and the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad highlights Algeria's efforts to engage with the global scientific community. The council's expertise will likely contribute to the country's development in various fields, including energy, medicine, and technology.
Key points
- Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune met with the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad.
- The council consists of 27 members, including renowned scientists from around the world.
- The Algerian government aims to benefit from the expertise of council members to develop the country's lithium sector.
