Assist. Prof. Dr. Besma Sidia | Biomedical Application | Best Researcher Award

Professor | National Engineering school of Monastir | Tunisia

Dr. Besma Sidia is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Preparatory Institute for Engineering Studies of Monastir (IPEIM), Tunisia, and a researcher at the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory (LGM), National Engineering School of Monastir (ENIM). She holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with Highest Honors, specializing in the design, manufacturing, and tribological behavior of polymer-based biocomposites. Her research integrates materials science, tribology, and biomedical applications, focusing on the mechanical and corrosion resistance of sustainable bio-based composites. Dr. Sidia has contributed to peer-reviewed journals, international conferences, and book chapters in her field. She has also undertaken international research internships in Portugal and France, gaining expertise in tribocorrosion testing, SEM analysis, and composite damage modeling. Recognized with multiple awards, including the Junior Member Award of the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, she is deeply committed to interdisciplinary research, innovation, and mentoring the next generation of engineers while advancing sustainable solutions for industry and medicine.

Professional Profile

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Education

Dr. Besma Sidia pursued her entire academic training in Tunisia, beginning with a Baccalaureate in Mathematics followed by an Undergraduate Degree in Mathematics and Physics at the Preparatory Institute for Engineering Studies of Monastir (IPEIM) . She then enrolled at the National Engineering School of Monastir (ENIM), where she completed her National Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering, graduating ranked first in her class. She advanced her studies with a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering Research, earning the distinction of “Very Good” for her thesis on composite damage mechanisms during drilling. Her academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at ENIM, awarded with the highest honors and jury congratulations. Her doctoral thesis focused on the tribological and mechanical behavior of polyethylene-based composites, bridging fundamental mechanics with applied material sciences. This strong educational foundation underpins her academic and research career in advanced mechanical engineering.

Experience

Dr. Besma Sidia began her academic career as an Adjunct Assistant at ENIM and ISSAT Sousse before becoming a Contractual Assistant at IPEIM. She later served as an Assistant Lecturer at ENIM and currently works as an Assistant Professor at IPEIM teaching courses in mechanical design and manufacturing. Alongside teaching, she contributes actively to research at the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory (LGM-ENIM), where she was also elected a member of the Steering Committee and coordinated the weekly seminar series. Her international experience includes internships in Portuga for X-ray and tribological testing of biocomposites and France for SEM analysis and tribocorrosion studies. She also trained in FEM modeling of composites. Additionally, Dr. Sidia has completed industrial internships in mold design, machining simulation, cable production, and quality control, ensuring a strong academic-industry linkage.

Research Focus

Dr. Besma Sidia’s research focuses on the mechanical and tribological behavior of polymer-based biocomposites, with applications in both engineering and biomedicine. She investigates how natural fillers such as mollusc shells and squid pens can enhance the performance of thermoplastic polymers like polyethylene, making them suitable for sustainable and medical uses. Her work integrates tribology, tribocorrosion, and biomaterials science, examining the effects of hygrothermal aging, electrochemical interactions, and reinforcement mechanisms on the wear and corrosion resistance of composites. She is particularly interested in developing eco-friendly, high-performance materials that can replace conventional composites in structural and biomedical applications. Dr. Sidia also explores surface engineering techniques, such as coatings, to improve durability and reduce friction in polymer composites. By combining experimental studies with modeling approaches, her research contributes to the design of innovative materials with improved sustainability, mechanical resilience, and biomedical compatibility, bridging fundamental mechanics with real-world industrial and medical challenges.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Besma Sidia has been recognized for her academic excellence and professional contributions, she received the Junior Member Award from the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory (LGM) at ENIM, acknowledging her dedication to advancing research in tribology, biomaterials, and composite engineering. Earlier in her career, she was honored with the Regional Award by the Tunisian Order of Engineers, which highlighted her outstanding performance and innovative approach as a young engineer. During her studies, she consistently achieved top distinctions, including graduating first in her engineering cohort at ENIM and earning “Very Good” and “Highest Honors” for her master’s and doctoral theses, respectively. These accolades reflect her academic rigor, leadership, and commitment to research excellence. In addition, her contributions to scientific conferences, publications, and international collaborations have further strengthened her profile as a recognized scholar and promising leader in mechanical and biomedical engineering.

Publication Top Notes

Tribocorrosion Behavior of Squid Pen‐Reinforced HDPE Biocomposites Against Ti6Al4V in Bovine Serum: Wear Mechanisms and Electrochemical Interactions
Year: 2025

Comparative study of Mollusc Shell and Squid Pen bio-based fillers on the tribological properties of HDPE bio-composites
Year: 2025

Tribological Characterization of Aged Mollusc Shells-UHMWPE Biocomposites Manufactured by Hot Compression Molding Process

Year: 2024

Conclusion

Besma Sidia’s impressive academic achievements, research experience, and publication record make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her technical skills and awards demonstrate her expertise and recognition in her field. With some further interdisciplinary collaboration, international impact, and research funding, she has the potential to make even greater contributions to her field.

Mr. Aurélien Chendjou Kamela | Hématologie | Best Researcher Award

Technicien Classe B at , CISSS Chaudière-appalaches, Canada

A seasoned health sciences professional, this individual has over 5 years of experience in research and project management. With a strong background in clinical planning and support, they have gained a solid reputation in hematology, particularly in sickle cell and hemophilia research. Their expertise has been instrumental in implementing screening and awareness campaigns across Cameroon, and they have contributed significantly to scientific publications and research protocols. Currently a lab technician at CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches, they continue to build on their experience while advancing in functional genomics at Université Laval.

Publication Profile

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Education 🎓

They began their academic journey with a BSc in Biology of Animal Organisms (2012–2015) from Université de Yaoundé I. To further specialize, they pursued a Master’s in Medical Hematology (2020–2022) from the same university, which laid the foundation for their deep focus on blood disorders. Eager to stay at the forefront of scientific advancements, they are now expanding their expertise through a Microprogram in Functional Genomics (2023–2024) at Université Laval. This diverse educational path equips them with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for their research roles in health sciences.

Experience 🔬

They currently work as a Lab Technician (2024–present) at CISSS Chaudière-Appalaches, where they manage specimen preparation, inventory, and laboratory data. Prior to this, they were the Project Manager for Screening/Diagnosis (2021–2023) at GEDREPACAM, leading neonatal screening and public health initiatives for sickle cell disease. Their role as a Research Student (2017–2022) at the Hemophilia Treatment Center in Yaoundé honed their ability to manage research projects independently. They’ve also coordinated biological diagnostics at IECD (2021) and handled data entry for the same organization (2019–2021). Their diverse professional background reflects a balance of research, clinical work, and project management.

Awards and Honors 🏅

Their research has earned recognition through multiple grants from the World Federation of Hemophilia. In 2022, they secured funding for their project evaluating the quality of life of hemophilia patients under prophylactic treatment in Cameroon. They were also the Principal Investigator for the Hemophilia Treatment Center financing program (2021 and 2022 editions), backed by the same federation. These awards underscore their dedication to improving the healthcare landscape for hemophilia patients, particularly in resource-limited settings. Their ability to secure funding reflects their expertise in both research and project execution, enhancing their reputation in the field.

Research Focus🔬

Their research primarily centers on blood disorders like hemophilia and sickle cell disease. They have been involved in evaluating quality-of-life measures for hemophilia patients, especially those under prophylactic treatment in Cameroon. They are also skilled in managing and analyzing clinical samples, devising new diagnostic protocols, and publishing scientific findings. Their research contributions extend to the screening and prevention of sickle cell disease, where they have led initiatives in public health campaigns. This individual also plays a key role in educating and training future researchers, ensuring that their expertise is passed on to the next generation

Conclusion

The candidate is well-suited for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to their strong educational background, significant contributions to hematology and sickle cell disease research, and proven project management skills. Their ability to secure international funding, publish research, and contribute to public health initiatives reflects their commitment to advancing the medical sciences. With a focus on expanding their research portfolio and further enhancing international collaboration, they have the potential to achieve even greater success in the field of health science research.

Besma Sidia | Biomedical Application | Best Researcher Award