Ms . laila taoufiq | Earthquake Engineering | Women Researcher Award

professor at ecole polytechnique d’agadir , Morocco

Dr. Laila Taoufiq is a highly capable and dedicated researcher in the field of materials physics, with a strong focus on sustainable construction and environmental engineering. Her work addresses pressing issues such as structural resilience, indoor air quality, and the recycling of industrial waste in building materials. With six peer-reviewed publications, including recent contributions on the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake and radioactivity in indoor environments, her research demonstrates both scientific relevance and societal impact. Dr. Taoufiq combines academic rigor with practical teaching across multiple engineering institutions, bringing valuable expertise in structural modeling and materials testing. While her international exposure and publication volume could be further developed, her contributions to applied research and education are commendable. She stands out as a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly where the focus is on research impact, sustainability, and innovation in engineering practices. Her academic dedication and real-world focus merit formal recognition.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile

Education🎓

Dr. Laila Taoufiq has a solid and multidisciplinary academic background in engineering and materials science. She earned her Doctorate in Materials Physics from the University Chouaib Doukkali, El Jadida, in 2018, where she conducted extensive research on the environmental and technical feasibility of recycling industrial waste, such as ash, in construction materials. Her doctoral thesis was awarded with high honors and jury congratulations. Prior to that, she completed her engineering degree in 2011 from the prestigious Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Rabat (ENIM), specializing in materials and structural engineering. Her academic journey began with a Master’s degree in Materials Science from the Faculty of Sciences and Technologies (FST) in Settat between 2005 and 2009. This well-rounded education has equipped her with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in material behavior, structural analysis, and sustainable engineering, forming a strong foundation for her current research and teaching activities.

Professional Experience📝

Dr. Laila Taoufiq has accumulated extensive professional experience in both research and higher education. Since September 2022, she has been serving as a lecturer and researcher at the École Polytechnique d’Agadir, where she teaches key engineering subjects such as reinforced and prestressed concrete, structural analysis, and modeling using structural software like Robot. Her teaching approach is highly practical, incorporating lab work and applied mechanics. Prior to this, she held teaching positions at several respected institutions, including ENSA Agadir, ESEFA, and ENSAM Casablanca, where she led courses and laboratory sessions in construction materials, solid mechanics, and resistance of materials. Her hands-on teaching style involves conducting a wide range of technical experiments in concrete behavior, materials testing, and structural analysis. Dr. Taoufiq’s professional experience reflects a strong integration of academic knowledge and real-world application, making her a valuable contributor to engineering education and applied research in sustainable building practices.

Research Interest🔎

Dr. Laila Taoufiq’s research interests lie at the intersection of sustainable construction, environmental engineering, and materials science. She focuses on the reuse and valorization of industrial by-products, such as coal ash and bottom ash, in concrete manufacturing to promote eco-friendly and cost-effective construction solutions. Her work aims to reduce environmental impact while improving the mechanical and radiological properties of construction materials. She is also deeply engaged in structural safety research, as evidenced by her recent study on building failures during the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake. Additionally, Dr. Taoufiq investigates indoor air quality and natural radioactivity exposure in built environments, contributing to public health and safety. Her research combines experimental lab work, field assessments, and structural modeling to develop practical solutions for current engineering challenges. Through these interdisciplinary efforts, she strives to enhance building performance, environmental sustainability, and resilience, making her work highly relevant to modern civil and environmental engineering needs.

Award and Honor🏆

Dr. Laila Taoufiq has been recognized for her academic excellence and research contributions throughout her career. Most notably, she was awarded a Doctorate in Materials Physics with the highest distinction—“Très Honorable avec Félicitations du Jury”—by the University Chouaib Doukkali in 2018, a clear acknowledgment of the quality, relevance, and originality of her doctoral research. Her thesis on the technical and environmental feasibility of valorizing industrial ashes in construction materials earned praise for its innovative approach to sustainability in civil engineering. While no specific awards beyond her doctoral honors are listed, her consistent involvement in impactful research and her active teaching roles at prominent Moroccan engineering institutions demonstrate professional recognition and trust in her expertise. Dr. Taoufiq’s growing portfolio of peer-reviewed publications, particularly on high-impact topics such as earthquake resilience and indoor environmental health, further establishes her as a respected figure in her field and a deserving candidate for future academic and research honors.

Research Skill🔬

Dr. Laila Taoufiq possesses a diverse and well-developed set of research skills that span experimental work, data analysis, and applied engineering. She is highly skilled in the characterization of construction materials, particularly in assessing mechanical, environmental, and radiological properties. Her expertise includes designing and conducting laboratory experiments, such as concrete strength testing, adsorption of heavy metals, and evaluating the performance of recycled materials like coal ash in construction applications. Dr. Taoufiq is proficient in using analytical tools and structural modeling software, such as Autodesk Robot, for simulating and analyzing the behavior of concrete and steel structures under different loading conditions. Her research is grounded in real-world applications, often addressing critical challenges such as earthquake damage assessment, indoor air quality, and sustainable construction practices. She also demonstrates strong abilities in academic writing, data interpretation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making her a capable and solution-oriented researcher in materials science and structural engineering.

Conclusion💡

Dr. Laila Taoufiq is a strong candidate for the Women Researcher Award, especially in contexts that emphasize research relevance, societal impact, sustainability, and interdisciplinary contributions. Her work is technically sound, environmentally significant, and aligned with global development goals. With greater international engagement and expanded publication output, she has the potential to emerge as a leading figure in her field. Her combination of academic excellence, teaching, and research makes her highly deserving of recognition under this award.

Publications Top Noted✍

• Title: Structural failure of reinforced concrete buildings: The case of Al Haouz earthquake on 8 September 2023, Morocco

• Authors:

  • L. Taoufiq, Laila

  • M. Chourak, Mimoun

  • E.M. Guendouli, El Mehdi

  • F.Z. Arrakhiz, Fatimaezzahra Z.

• Journal: Structures (Published by Elsevier)

• Year: 2025

• Citation Format (APA Style):
  Taoufiq, L., Chourak, M., Guendouli, E. M., & Arrakhiz, F. Z. (2025). Structural failure of reinforced concrete buildings: The case of Al Haouz earthquake on 8 September 2023, Morocco. Structures. (Link not available)