The President of the Algerian Academy of Science and Technology (AAST), Prof. Mohamed Hichem Kara, launched a call for applications for the first edition of the AAST “Grand Prize” in Constantine on Thursday. The prize is awarded to a young researcher whose work contributes to scientific development, reflecting AAST’s commitment to promoting outstanding achievements in science and technology in Algeria.
During an open day at Constantine’s Center for Biotechnology Research , Prof. Kara presented the AAST’s mission to promote scientific and technological life, particularly among young people. He underlined the symbolic significance of the launch, which coincided with the 62nd anniversary of Algeria’s independence, and explained the choice of Constantine, a city famed for its scientific infrastructure and achievements.
Pr Kara recalled the commitment of the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to support young people in the areas of science and research. He encouraged the distribution of this call for applications to offer this opportunity to as many young people as possible.
The AAST Grand Prize aims to discover the talents and innovations of young Algerians, enabling them to contribute to scientific and technological development. The call for entries follows the adoption of the necessary legal procedures, the AAST having been recognized as a consultative institution in the country’s Constitution and having recently adopted its internal regulations.
Prof. Kara praised the support of the President of the Republic, arguing that this recognition would contribute to the realization of projects to diversify the national economy, taking into account scientific and technological developments.
The Chairman of the Awards Committee, Prof. Azzedine Lounis, explained that the prize, endowed with an amount set by AAST, is open to all fields of science and technology.
Applicants must be of Algerian nationality, practicing in an educational or scientific research establishment recognized in Algeria, under 40 years of age on December 31, 2024, and have made significant contributions in their field. The work must have been carried out in Algeria, respecting the principles of scientific ethics and moral integrity.
The award will be presented at AAST’s annual formal meeting, and the deadline for applications is fixed at September 10, 2024. Selection criteria include scientific excellence, originality, innovation, recognition, collaboration, and the impact of the research in the socio-economic sector. Speakers at the information day took part in a debate on the conditions for participation in this prize.