Dr. OUARDI AFAF | Neutron imaging | Best Researcher Award

Dr. OUARDI AFAF , National Center for Energy Sciences and Nuclear Techniques, Rabat, Morocco

Dr. Afaf Ouardi is a Principal Researcher specializing in nuclear physics, neutron imaging, and radiometric modeling. She earned her Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from the University of Hassan II, Faculty of Science Ain Chock, Casablanca, with high honors. Her research focuses on neutron imaging, shielding materials, sediment transport modeling, and the application of nuclear techniques in industrial and cultural heritage preservation. Dr. Ouardi has played a key role in designing and commissioning neutron imaging beamlines, particularly at the Maâmoura Triga Reactor. She possesses extensive expertise in Monte Carlo simulations, machine learning, and scientific computing, with contributions in both experimental and theoretical nuclear physics. Beyond her technical expertise, she has led feasibility studies for neutron imaging applications and E-beam/X-ray irradiation projects in Morocco. She has also contributed significantly to the digitalization of Moroccan heritage using photogrammetry techniques. Dr. Ouardi has numerous publications in prestigious journals and actively collaborates in international projects.

Professional Profile:

Orcid

Summary of Suitability for Award:

Dr. Afaf Ouardi is a highly accomplished researcher in nuclear physics, radiation shielding, neutron imaging, and cultural heritage preservation through digitalization. With extensive expertise in Monte Carlo simulations (Geant4, FLUKA), neutron shielding materials, and suspended sediment transport modeling, her work has significantly contributed to nuclear science and environmental monitoring. Her interdisciplinary research integrates machine learning, scientific computing, and photogrammetry for digital preservation, demonstrating innovation and impact. She has played a key role in developing the neutron imaging system at the Maâmora Triga Reactor, validating shielding materials, and advancing nuclear gauging techniques. Her publications in high-impact journals and contributions to international projects highlight her research excellence and leadership. Dr. Afaf Ouardi’s groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary approach, and significant contributions to nuclear science and cultural heritage digitalization make her a strong candidate for the “Best Researcher Award“. Her work demonstrates scientific rigor, innovation, and global impact, aligning perfectly with the award’s criteria.

🎓Education:

Afaf Ouardi earned her Ph.D. in Nuclear Physics from the University of Hassan II, Faculty of Science Ain Chock, Casablanca (1997–2003), graduating with very honorable distinction and jury congratulations. Her thesis focused on suspended sediment transport studies, including numerical simulation of nuclear gamma gauging using the Geant 3.21 code and tridimensional modeling of cohesive suspended sediment transport in watercourses. She also obtained a Master of Science in Matter & Radiation (1998–2003), achieving very honorable recognition. Her master’s research explored sediment transport in irrigation channels using Monte Carlo simulation techniques. Her strong academic foundation in nuclear physics, radiation modeling, and computational techniques has shaped her expertise in neutron imaging, radiation shielding, and sediment transport studies. With advanced training in scientific computing, programming (C, Python, Fortran), and digitalization techniques, she integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, contributing significantly to nuclear science, environmental monitoring, and cultural heritage preservation.

🏢Work Experience:

Dr. Afaf Ouardi is a Principal Researcher with extensive experience in neutron imaging beamline installation, from design and construction to commissioning and research. She has contributed significantly to nuclear physics, particularly in radiation shielding, digitalization, and sediment transport studies. Her expertise extends to scientific code development using Geant3, Geant4, and FLUKA, along with programming proficiency in C++, Python, and Fortran. She has led technical feasibility studies, including neutron imaging applications and E-beam/X-ray irradiation projects in Morocco. She played a crucial role in developing and validating hematite-based neutron shielding materials for the Triga reactor. Additionally, she has worked on designing multifunctional laboratory equipment and digitalizing Moroccan ceramic heritage. Her research integrates machine learning with nuclear applications, and she excels in interdisciplinary collaboration, problem-solving, and data analysis. With a track record of leading laboratory teams and pioneering innovative methodologies, she has made substantial contributions to nuclear engineering and cultural heritage conservation.

🏅Awards: 

Dr. Afaf Ouardi has received numerous recognitions for her outstanding contributions to nuclear physics, radiation shielding, and digital heritage preservation. She was honored for her pioneering work in neutron imaging system development at the Maâmora Triga Reactor. Her innovative research on sediment transport using nuclear gauging earned her recognition from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). She has also been acknowledged for her advancements in low-cost photogrammetry and digitalization techniques for preserving Moroccan cultural heritage, particularly in reconstructing traditional ceramic designs. Her contributions to Monte Carlo modeling of nuclear interactions and shielding design have been featured at international conferences. Additionally, her expertise in neutron shielding calculations has been instrumental in advancing radiation protection methodologies. With a proven record of excellence in interdisciplinary research, scientific computing, and applied physics, she continues to influence both the academic and industrial fields with her innovative approaches to nuclear science and environmental monitoring.

🔬Research Focus:

Dr. Afaf Ouardi’s research spans multiple domains, including neutron imaging, radiation shielding, sediment transport modeling, and cultural heritage digitalization. She specializes in Monte Carlo simulations for nuclear applications, optimizing radiation shielding materials for neutron and gamma-ray protection. Her work includes the design and validation of hematite-based shielding materials for the Maâmora Triga Reactor. She also focuses on suspended sediment transport using nuclear gauging techniques, advancing environmental monitoring and water resource management. She integrates machine learning tools such as TensorFlow and PyTorch for enhanced data analysis in nuclear imaging and scientific computing. Additionally, she applies 3D digitalization techniques, including photogrammetry and mesh reconstruction, to preserve Moroccan cultural heritage, particularly traditional ceramics. Her interdisciplinary expertise bridges nuclear physics with environmental sciences and digital heritage, contributing to sustainable technology development, advanced radiation protection, and innovative imaging techniques. Her research continues to impact both scientific communities and industrial applications.

Publication Top Notes:

“Final design of Neutron Imaging System ‘NERA’ at the Maâmora reactor”

“Neutron shielding calculations for neutron imaging facility at the Maâmora Triga reactor”

“THE NEUTRON IMAGING INSTRUMENT (NRAD) AT MAAMORA TRIGA REACTOR”

“A Gamma Ray CT Computed Tomography for Investigating the Wood Structure”

“Optimization of the accuracy measurement with nuclear gamma gauge for high suspended cohesive sediments concentration”

“Monte Carlo modeling of potential distribution of internal dose based on random active particle location to organisms in the sediment bed”

“Investigations on dose distribution effects in the interface of plate of Titanium alloys irradiated by photon beam”

“GEANT4 used for neutron beam design of a neutron imaging facility at TRIGA reactor in Morocco”

“Development of a neutron imaging facility at the CENM Al Maâmora TRIGA”

“Developments on software tools for data acquisition and numerical simulation for gamma-ray scanning”

“GEANT simulation of the gamma nuclear gauge”