Algerian physicist's life becomes book at SILA 2026
Author Rym Khelil will present "Nour. Noureddine Melikechi" at the Algiers International Book Fair.
Algerian physicist Noureddine Melikechi's life story is now a book titled "Nour. Noureddine Melikechi," authored by Rym Khelil. The book, published by Editions Barzakh, will be presented at the Salon international du livre d’Alger (SILA) 2026, which runs from October 29 to November 7. Melikechi is internationally recognized for his work in atomic physics, optics, and laser spectroscopy, and has contributed to NASA's Mars exploration missions.
Rym Khelil, born in Algiers in 1983, is an engineer by training who studied at the Ecole nationale polytechnique d’Alger and Ecole centrale de Paris. She currently works for an international energy company and lives in Malaysia, while also pursuing her passion for writing. Khelil decided to write Melikechi's biography after interviewing him in April 2021 for her project "Constellations du ciel d’Algérie," and was captivated by his brilliance and trajectory.
The book project emerged from Khelil's series of interviews with successful Algerians. She was struck by Melikechi's simplicity, sharp intellect, and his discussions about his childhood in Bab Ezzouar, Mars, and cancer detection. Khelil felt his exceptional journey deserved more than a brief mention in her earlier work.
Why it mattersAlgerians can learn about the life and achievements of a prominent Algerian scientist, Noureddine Melikechi, through the new book presented at the Algiers International Book Fair.