Encourager la recherche, Bénéficiaire

Tayeb Mezri, 2023-2025 pre-doctoral scholarship beneficiary

The ENS Paris-Saclay trains its students for research through research. Each year, thanks to the pre-doctoral scholarship program, the School supports students in their work toward a PhD. The example of Tayeb Mezri illustrates the key role played by the School, in partnership with academic and industrial collaborators such as the IFPEN, to support the emergence of young talent in science. These synergies are essential to create concrete research connected to the needs of the economic sector.

Published on 23 May 2025

An academic career motivated by a passion for science

Originally from Algeria, Tayeb Mezri earned his college degree in electrical engineering at Biskra University in June of 2022. Determined to further his knowledge and hone his skills, he chose to continue his studies in France, joining Paris-Saclay University’s E3A Master 1 program, then the E3A FESup Master 2 program at the ENS Paris-Saclay.
Tayen made the bold choice of joining a program designed to train for the agrégation exam in physics for electrical and electronic energy systems, despite not being able to take these exams due to his status. His goal: studying in a challenging environment to master all aspects of a crucial field for the future of the industrial sector. He has no regrets concerning this choice: his time at the ENS Paris-Saclay was instrumental in gaining the academic and scientific skills required to reach his ambitious professional goals.
“Electrical devices are at the heart of industrial development. I want to take part in their improvement, to make them more reliable, efficient and durable.”

Research in service of innovation

Under the tutelage of Sami Hlioui, he first completed a 5-month internship in the SATIE laboratory, where he worked on unconventional electrical devices in the hopes of developing flaw-resilient systems: machines and transformation chains able to keep functioning during power outages without putting the whole system in jeopardy. This is a key issue for electrical mobility, aeronautical engineering and energy production. “It is a crucial technological challenge for the future: conceiving machines that never stop, even during outages.”

A crucial academic and human support

He chose to apply for a pre-doctoral scholarship because his goal was clear: become a researcher in electrical engineering. The financial and academic support granted by the program allowed him to feel comfortable in the pursuit of his ambitions.

As a foreign student, the additional financial support granted by the scholarship was a relief. I have been able to focus entirely on my studies and my professional goals.

Another crucial part of the program was the adapted support: he is mentored by André Nasr, research engineer at the IFP Energies Nouvelles, who guides him and supports him in his challenging endeavors.

I recommend this program to every student looking to pursue research, and especially to foreign students. It allowed me to join excellent academic programs, to be mentored by experts, and to come up with a great doctoral project.