President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune commended the contributions of Algerian experts living abroad during an audience granted two days ago to members of the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad at the presidential residence, encouraging them to apply their knowledge toward the nation’s growth.
President Tebboune opened the gathering by stating: “It is a great honor for me to meet with you. You represent the finest minds of our nation across every field.” He emphasized that “Algeria’s current stage of development demands the involvement of its scholars, wherever they may be, so that we can enter a new chapter together, God willing.”
Through this message, the President placed the mobilization of scientific expertise at the center of the country’s upcoming development phase. He particularly highlighted the role of university graduates and young citizens in nation-building, pointing out that individuals under forty make up over 70 percent of Algeria’s population.
“A nation prospers through its children and its academic graduates,” he noted, projecting this movement onto a long-term horizon: “What we are planting today will endure for at least twenty to thirty years, enabling Algeria to reach the status it deserves, matching the ambition of its youth.”
Council members expressed gratitude for the President’s support of Algerian researchers and his commitment to involving them in national growth, particularly toward building a knowledge-based economy.
Professor Elias Zerhouni, the Council’s coordinator, noted that during the session he observed “the President’s firm conviction that Algeria must achieve a real takeoff across various sectors today, relying on its scholars both at home and abroad.” He assured that “we possess the required capabilities, and our country stands ready for this milestone.”
Zerhouni added that council members presented the progress made so far to “implement actionable projects and operational programs designed to advance national priorities.”
The establishment of this body illustrates a clear desire to connect diaspora scholars with domestic universities, research facilities, and state institutions. Professor Belgacem Haba praised the initiative as a dedicated venue to bring together expatriate researchers with their counterparts in Algeria, boosting exchange and shaping fresh programs across diverse sectors.
Building a bridge between international experience and local needs remains a core focus of this new entity. Professor Kamal Youcef-Toumi, a mechanical engineering expert at Boston’s Massachusetts Institute of Technology, pointed out that the President emphasized “the necessity of achieving excellence and building scientific capabilities capable of driving national progress.” According to him, these ambitions will be realized in close partnership with “local talent, universities, and institutions.”
Projects Tailored to National Priorities
Statements from other Council members highlighted the wide range of fields involved. Professor Yahia Chebloune, a specialist in virology and vaccine design, described a “fruitful exchange” with the President, characterized by “strong resolve and determination to advance the nation’s development across all fields through science and scholars.”
He mentioned that the head of state invited Council members to assist this effort by contributing their expertise. The meeting, according to Chebloune, revealed “the President’s detailed understanding of Algeria’s present needs, particularly regarding scientific talent across various disciplines.”
Artificial intelligence also ranks among the key sectors set to benefit from this effort. Professor Abdelhamid Mellouk, a researcher and professor at the University of Paris, welcomed the focus on transferring diaspora expertise and mentoring the young generation destined to take the lead.
In healthcare, Professor Bachir Taouli, a radiology researcher based in the United States, underlined the importance of the gathering and thanked the President for supporting Algerian scholars abroad. He specifically noted the commitment to strengthening ties with their homeland through open channels of communication and integrating them into vital sectors.