The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Baddari, presented this Sunday at the ministry headquarters the Medal of Scientific Research Merit to Algerian researcher Laïd Derdabou, winner of the 17th edition of the «Stars of science» competition for his innovative project of a smart watch capable of measuring and monitoring vitamin D levels in the body.
Mr. Baddari stated that this symbolic gesture aims to “honor the merit and scientific excellence” of Algerian researchers who distinguish themselves on the international stage. He added that through this award, he wanted to congratulate a career “that honors Algerian universities” and illustrates “the remarkable potential of young researchers trained in our institutions.”
For his part, Laïd Derdabou expressed his deep gratitude for this recognition, affirming that it “crowns years of work and perseverance.” He explained that “this project started as a personal initiative before becoming today a national pride,” adding that this distinction “confers upon him an even greater responsibility in continuing his research and innovation efforts.” The researcher explained that his invention consists of transforming smart watches into instruments capable of measuring vitamin D levels without blood sampling, asserting that it is a “completely new” technology and “the first of its kind on the global market.”
Already at the functional prototype stage, the device is currently entering a phase of improvement through the integration of artificial intelligence. This will allow “the collection and analysis of biomedical data to increase result accuracy and reduce the margin of error,” he specified, before adding that “the goal is to achieve a model ready for industrialization and international commercialization.”
Holder of a doctorate in nutrition and animal physiology from the University of Vienna, Laïd Derdabou currently teaches there. He continues his work in health and applied biotechnology, with a particular focus on the relationship between technological innovation and human well-being. The researcher also revealed that he is simultaneously developing other projects in his specialty field, including a prototype of an “artificial pancreas,” presently in the experimental phase.
The ceremony was also marked by the presence of two other Algerian researchers who participated in recent editions of «Stars of science». Minister Baddari also welcomed pharmacy researcher Riyad Hadj Habib, author of a project on therapeutic nanoparticles. His innovation allows for targeted drug delivery to diseased cells without interference from the immune system in order to improve efficacy.
Researcher Khadidja Fellah Arbi, a finalist in a previous edition, was also praised for her artificial pancreas project based on a non-invasive method for measuring glucose levels through the analysis of electrocardiographic signals. She indicated that her team is working on expanding the database and integrating artificial intelligence to increase the device’s precision and make it a globally competitive product.
During this ceremony, Mr. Baddari reaffirmed to all laureates and scientists present “the government’s full confidence in the potential of Algerian researchers.” He also reminded that “the university is not only a training space but also a driver of creativity and technological transformation,” aligning with the sector’s overall vision to encourage applied research, valorize scientific results, and integrate young talents into the innovation ecosystem.