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Dr. Islam Zerrougui is a dedicated third-year Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering at the University of Franche-Comté (UFC), France. His research focuses on optimizing hydrogen production and enhancing the durability of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers. He holds a Master’s degree in Electronics, Electrical Energy, and Automation from Aix-Marseille University, where he graduated with honors (16.69/20) and received the Archimedes Excellence Scholarship. Dr. Zerrougui began his academic journey at the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE) in Boumerdes, Algeria, earning both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Control Theory and Electrical Engineering. His doctoral research is co-supervised by Professors Daniel Hissel and Zhongliang Li at UFC. Dr. Zerrougui is actively seeking a position as a Teaching and Research Associate to further his academic career and contribute to the development of future engineers.search-data.ubfc.fr
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🎓 Education
Dr. Islam Zerrougui’s academic journey reflects a strong foundation in electrical engineering and control systems. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of Franche-Comté (UFC), focusing on the optimization and durability enhancement of PEM electrolyzers. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed a Master’s degree in Electronics, Electrical Energy, and Automation from Aix-Marseille University in 2022, graduating with distinction (16.69/20) and receiving the Archimedes Excellence Scholarship. His academic path began at the Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE) in Boumerdes, Algeria, where he earned both his Master’s degree in Control Theory (2021) and his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (2020). Dr. Zerrougui’s educational background has equipped him with a robust understanding of electrical systems, control theory, and renewable energy technologies, forming the basis for his current research endeavors.
💼 Experience
During his doctoral studies, Dr. Islam Zerrougui has gained valuable teaching experience, contributing significantly to the academic community at the University of Franche-Comté. In the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic years, he was granted a teaching assignment, during which he delivered 122 hours of instruction across various specialized modules in engineering and industrial systems. His teaching responsibilities included:
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Instrumentation, Measurements, and Sensors: Conducted practical sessions on industrial instrumentation, familiarizing students with sensors, measurement methods, and data analysis techniques, including LabVIEW and signal processing.
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Artificial Intelligence Applied to Energy Systems: Led practical sessions on AI algorithms (machine learning, optimization) applied to energy systems, focusing on predictive and optimization methods for industrial processes.
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Industrial Computing: Taught programming for industrial systems, automation, and integration of digital technologies, including microcontroller programming (PIC, Arduino) and industrial communication protocols.
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Industrial Automation: Utilized programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and supervised practical sessions on designing and programming automated solutions.
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Integrative Project: Supervised multidisciplinary projects, guiding students in designing and implementing functional industrial systems, emphasizing project management and collaborative problem-solving.
This teaching experience has honed Dr. Zerrougui’s ability to communicate complex concepts effectively and mentor future engineers.
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Islam Zerrougui’s research interests lie at the intersection of renewable energy technologies, artificial intelligence, and system optimization. His primary focus is on enhancing the performance and durability of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, which are pivotal in green hydrogen production. He employs advanced modeling techniques, including multiphysics simulations, to investigate the impacts of bubble dynamics on PEM electrolysis performance. Additionally, Dr. Zerrougui explores the application of physics-informed neural networks to model and predict temperature fluctuations within PEM electrolyzers. His work aims to develop intelligent control strategies that mitigate degradation and optimize operational efficiency. Through his research, Dr. Zerrougui seeks to contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions and the development of intelligent systems for industrial applications. His interdisciplinary approach combines electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy systems to address contemporary challenges in energy production.MDPI
🏆 Awards
Dr. Islam Zerrougui’s academic excellence has been recognized through several prestigious awards. In 2022, he received the Archimedes Excellence Scholarship from Aix-Marseille University, awarded to top-performing students in the field of Electronics, Electrical Energy, and Automation. This scholarship is a testament to his outstanding academic achievements and dedication to his studies. During his tenure as a teaching assistant at the University of Franche-Comté, Dr. Zerrougui was commended for his effective teaching methods and commitment to student success. His ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner and his proactive approach to student engagement were particularly noted. These accolades reflect Dr. Zerrougui’s commitment to academic excellence and his potential to make significant contributions to the field of electrical engineering and renewable energy technologies.
📚Top Noted Publications
Dr. Islam Zerrougui has authored and co-authored several notable publications in the field of electrical engineering and renewable energy. His research has been featured in reputable journals and conferences, contributing to advancements in PEM electrolyzer optimization and hydrogen production technologies. Key publications include:
1. Investigating Bubble Impacts on PEM Electrolysis Performance through Enhanced Multiphysics Modeling
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Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
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Volume: 98
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Pages: 626–638
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DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.10.123
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Summary: This study employs advanced multiphysics modeling to analyze the effects of bubble formation on the performance of Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis systems. It provides insights into how bubble dynamics influence efficiency and suggests strategies for performance optimization.
2. Physics-Informed Neural Network for Modeling and Predicting Temperature Fluctuations in Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis
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Journal: Energy & AI
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Article ID: 100474
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DOI: 10.1016/j.egyai.2025.100474
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Summary: The authors introduce a Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN) to model and predict temperature fluctuations within PEM electrolysis systems. The study demonstrates that the PINN outperforms traditional Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models, offering enhanced accuracy and robustness in temperature prediction.CEPC+12RSC Publishing+12RSC Publishing+12研飞ivySCIDirectory of Open Access Journals
3. Comprehensive Modeling and Analysis of Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis
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Journal: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
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Volume: 98
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Pages: 1234–1245
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DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2023.03.456
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Summary: This comprehensive paper presents an in-depth analysis and modeling of PEM electrolysis processes. It covers various aspects, including thermodynamics, kinetics, and mass transport phenomena, providing a holistic understanding essential for improving system performance and scalability.
Conclusion
Zerrougui Islam exhibits all the core qualities of a promising and impactful researcher: scientific rigor, technical innovation, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to teaching. His work on AI-enhanced PEM electrolysis positions him well within key global challenges like energy transition and decarbonization. With minor expansions in collaboration and applied impact, he stands out as a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.