Young Researcher Spotlight
Posted on: 14 Apr, 2026
One Year Later
From participant to chair — a journey of growth, confidence, and community
Featuring: Youcef Benrached
Lecturer at the University of Khemis Miliana
Youcef Benrached is a lecturer at the University of Khemis Miliana, with research interests in Artificial Intelligence and computer vision applied to the medical field. His work focuses on automating the reading of medical labels and extracting information from them, using optimization techniques such as Genetic Algorithms and Optuna.
His journey reflects ASREN's long-standing commitment to supporting young researchers and emerging talents across the region—an effort that aligns with ASREN's institutional values and is further supported through its activities under the EUMEDplus project.
The Journey
Reflecting on the year since his participation in the Young Researchers Track at e-AGE24, Youcef describes the experience as both enriching and transformative—one that contributed meaningfully to his academic and professional development.
e-AGE24: A Memorable Experience
One of Youcef's most memorable moments at e-AGE24 was not only winning the Best Participation Award, but also the feeling of being welcomed into a vibrant and supportive community. "Meeting so many inspiring people and feeling part of something bigger made the experience truly special," he recalls. Winning the award, which came as a complete surprise, turned the conference into one of the highlights of his life.
e-AGE25: A New Perspective
Returning to e-AGE25 as a session chair offered a new perspective. This time, Youcef found himself appreciating the effort behind building an inclusive environment for young researchers. He observed clear improvements in the programme, including more structured sessions, refined selection criteria, and broader research topics. "The atmosphere felt even more collaborative and friendly than the previous year, with stronger interaction between participants, chairs, and organizers," he notes.
Impact on Career & Confidence
Being part of the Young Researchers community has had a lasting impact on Youcef's career. The experience expanded his professional network, strengthened his confidence, and contributed directly to opening new career opportunities—including the academic position he holds today.
Moving from participant to chair reinforced his sense of belonging and gratitude toward the community that supported his growth.
"I would like to sincerely thank the ASREN team for their continued trust and support. The opportunities they create for young researchers are meaningful and inspiring, and I am honored to be part of a community that truly encourages growth, collaboration, and excellence."
Advice to Future Participants
For young researchers considering joining the programme, Youcef offers simple but powerful advice:
"Be open, curious, and proactive. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your ideas. The value of this experience goes far beyond presenting your work."
Youcef's experience highlights how ASREN's initiatives—such as the Young Researchers Track at e-AGE—create meaningful opportunities for emerging talents to grow, connect, and gain visibility.
These efforts are part of ASREN's broader mission to unite research and education communities and are supported by EUMEDplus as part of a shared commitment to inclusive capacity building and regional cooperation.
Building on This Momentum
ASREN is taking the next step — moving beyond presentations toward hands-on innovation and solution development.
Next-Gen Innovators Hackathon
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