Laboratory of Physics of Experimental Techniques and its Applications | Algeria
Dr. Kawther Meliani is a dedicated researcher and Ph.D. candidate in Material Physics at the University of Medea, Algeria, affiliated with the Laboratory of Physics of Experimental Techniques and its Applications. Her core research focuses on Heusler alloys — specifically their structural, magnetic, electronic, and thermoelectric properties — which have wide-ranging applications in spintronics and energy conversion technologies. She utilizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining Density Functional Theory (DFT) simulations using tools like WIEN2k, Quantum ESPRESSO, and CASTEP with experimental synthesis and characterization techniques to validate theoretical models and accelerate materials discovery. Dr. Meliani has published three research papers in reputable SCI and Scopus-indexed journals, including Journal of Alloys and Compounds (Elsevier), Physica B: Condensed Matter, and the Brazilian Journal of Physics. Her publications have collectively received 9 citations, and she currently holds an h-index of 2, demonstrating early-career research impact and growing academic visibility. In addition to her publication record, she has participated in international conferences and research training, including a self-financed one-month collaboration at the University of Girona in Spain, and is preparing for further collaboration at Tohoku University in Japan. Dr. Meliani has made significant contributions to understanding the stability and electronic structure of full and half-metallic Heusler compounds, which are essential for developing next-generation spintronic devices and thermoelectric generators. Her work supports the design of functional materials with high performance and sustainability, aligned with global scientific priorities. Beyond her research, she is actively engaged in undergraduate teaching, fostering scientific curiosity and technical competence in physics students. With her commitment to innovation, cross-border collaboration, and academic rigor, Dr. Kawther Meliani represents a promising and impactful figure in the field of material physics. Her integration of theoretical modeling with hands-on experimentation sets her apart as a researcher who bridges scientific theory and real-world applications. She is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in recognition of her contributions and continued potential for scientific excellence.
Featured Publications
Meliani, K., Haireche, S., Bouchenafa, M., Elbaa, M., Douakh, S., & Chiker, R. (2024). Comprehensive analysis of the structural, electronic, elastic, and optical properties of SrS compound under pressure: First-principles calculations. Brazilian Journal of Physics, 54(2), 46.
Meliani, K., Dehbaoui, M., Djennane, K., & Dehimi, N. E. H. (2024). Pressure effect investigation of structural, electronic, elastic and magnetic properties of X₂CrSb (X = Mn, Co and Cu) Heusler alloys. Physica B: Condensed Matter, 694, 416442.
Haireche, S., Douakh, S., Elbaa, M., Bouchenafa, M., & Meliani, K. (2025). Influence of phase transition on the mechanical and optical properties of SrSe and SrTe compounds via ab initio calculations. Physica B: Condensed Matter, 696, 416610.
Dehimi, N. E. H., Mourad, D., Meliani, K., Djennane, K., Benaisti, I., & Ozdogan, K. (2025). Unveiling the pressure-induced properties and ambient thermoelectric behaviour of Co₂YZ (Z = Si, Ge, Sn) Heusler alloys. Physica Scripta. (In press)
Meliani, K., Dehbaoui, M., Sarhani, M. E. S., Benalia, A., Djennane, K., & others. (2025). Unveiling the antiferromagnetic Co₂−ₓFeₓCrSn (x = 0, 0.5, 1) hexagonal quaternary Heusler alloys: Experimental and theoretical study. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, In press, 183537.
Khaoula, D., Mourad, D., Elhouda, D. N., & Kawther, M. (2025). HfZFe candidate 2 (Z = Si, Ge, Sn), promising new materials for electronic and thermoelectric applications. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference of Nanotechnology for Renewable Energy (ICNRE).