The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mr. Kamel Baddari, chaired, on Sunday, 28 June 2026, at the “Martyr Abdelhafid Ihaddaden” Scientific and Technological Pole in Sidi Abdellah, alongside Professor Elias Zerhouni, the opening session of the constitutive meeting of the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad.
The meeting brought together 31 distinguished Algerian researchers and experts residing in different countries around the world, including 24 attending in person and seven participating via videoconference.
The establishment of the Council follows the decision adopted by the Council of Ministers on 21 June 2026 to create the High Council of the National Scientific Community Abroad as an advisory body enjoying administrative and financial autonomy and placed under the direct authority of the Presidency of the Republic. This reflects the importance attached by the Algerian State to its highly qualified nationals abroad and its commitment to involving them in shaping national scientific and technological policies.
In his opening address, the Minister stated that the establishment of the Council gives concrete expression to the commitment of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to enable Algerian expertise abroad to contribute effectively to national development through the provision of expertise and strategic advice, as well as the transfer of knowledge and advanced technologies, thereby strengthening the knowledge economy and innovation.

The Minister emphasized that the meeting “is not merely a protocol event, but a foundational milestone marking the beginning of a new phase in building a New and Victorious Algeria,” stressing that it establishes a permanent institutional framework to enhance the contribution of Algerian scientific talent abroad to national development.

He explained that the Council aims to build sustainable bridges between Algerian scientists abroad and national higher education and research institutions, while establishing a national scientific and technological foresight system to strengthen research, innovation, and the competitiveness of the national economy. It will also contribute to anticipating future developments in strategic priority fields such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation, cybersecurity, health, and renewable energy.

The Minister further noted that the Council represents a permanent institutional mechanism for mobilizing Algerian expertise worldwide and transforming its international scientific experience and networks into added value that supports economic and social development, strengthens national capacities, and enhances Algeria’s regional and international standing in science, technology, and innovation.

For his part, Professor Elias Zerhouni, Coordinator of the Constitutive Committee, stressed that the creation of the Council reflects a strong political commitment, under the guidance of the President of the Republic, to reconnect Algerian scientific talent abroad with their homeland and harness their expertise to advance higher education and scientific research.

He stated that the Council seeks to establish a permanent and effective institutional framework for cooperation based on concrete and sustainable projects that go beyond occasional meetings, describing the event as “a historic moment” and the beginning of a new chapter in strengthening the contribution of Algeria’s scientific diaspora to the country’s future.

Professor Zerhouni also praised Algeria’s significant achievements in higher education through the expansion of its network of universities and higher education institutions, the continuous growth in student enrollment, and the outstanding performance of Algerian students in international scientific competitions.

In closing, he called for greater mobilization of the expertise and international scientific networks of Algerian researchers abroad in support of the country’s development priorities. He emphasized that the meeting provides an opportunity to strengthen ties between Algerian researchers at home and abroad, expand scientific cooperation, promote technology transfer and knowledge exchange, and develop a roadmap defining priorities, coordination mechanisms, and areas of cooperation, making the High Council a permanent forum for consultation and an effective platform for mobilizing Algerian expertise in support of national development.