Presidential Decree Creates High Scientific Expertise Council
The recent publication of a presidential decree in the Official Gazette has formalized the establishment of a High Council for National Scientific Expertise Abroad. This advisory body, which will operate under the President of the Republic, is designed to harness the intellectual capital of Algerian scientists living outside the country. It possesses legal personality and financial independence, with its headquarters located in Algiers Province.
The Council is tasked with providing scientific and technological advice across various fields vital for national development. Its core mission includes creating sustainable mechanisms to integrate national experts abroad into Algeria's higher education, scientific research, and innovation ecosystem. Furthermore, it will be responsible for submitting proposals on nationally important projects, evaluating their feasibility, and working to enhance the scientific system in line with international benchmarks. The Council will also facilitate knowledge exchange, strategic foresight, and foster scientific dialogue through organized lectures and meetings.
The structure of the High Council comprises a president and thirty members, who will be selected from among national scientific experts abroad based on their international scientific standing and expertise in strategic fields. Additionally, it will include six representatives from key ministries: National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Higher Education, Health, and the Knowledge Economy. Three Algerian managers from economic institutions abroad that contribute to research, development, and innovation will also join the Council. The president and members are to be appointed via a presidential decree for a three-year term, renewable once, following a proposal from the Minister of Higher Education in consultation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the National Community Abroad. Membership in the Council is without financial remuneration, requiring members to adhere strictly to confidentiality, neutrality, transparency, and the avoidance of conflicts of interest.
