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

Orcid

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

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.