Omar Anis Harzallah is an accomplished Associate Professor at the University of Haute-Alsace, affiliated with the École Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs Sud Alsace (ENSISA) and the Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique Textiles (LPMT – EA 4365). He has developed a distinguished career in textile engineering, focusing on sustainable materials and innovative fiber technologies. His work spans the morphological, physico-chemical, and mechanical characterization of natural fibers, with special attention to exotic plant fibers and their applications in textile and bio-based composites. Dr. Harzallah has also made significant advancements in functional polymeric fibers and nanostructured textile materials, emphasizing eco-design principles. Beyond research, he has been a committed educator and mentor for over two decades, contributing to student development, international pedagogy, and the promotion of textile engineering education. His dedication extends to scientific leadership, coordination of laboratories, and international academic collaborations. With more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, 9 book chapters, and 2 patents, his academic footprint is well-established globally. Dr. Harzallah’s contributions have earned him prestigious awards and recognition in the textile industry. His multidisciplinary approach, commitment to sustainability, and consistent research excellence make him a valuable asset to the scientific and educational community.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from the University of Haute-Alsace, which he completed in 1999. His doctoral studies laid the foundation for his extensive work in textile characterization and sustainable fiber research. Prior to his Ph.D., he earned an Engineering degree in Textile Science from the Institut Supérieur Industriel de Verviers in Belgium. His academic training provided him with a solid background in both theoretical and practical aspects of textile engineering, fiber mechanics, and materials science. Throughout his educational journey, he developed a keen interest in the eco-friendly utilization of natural fibers and the advancement of bio-based composites, which would later become central to his research focus. His academic credentials reflect a strong commitment to both scientific excellence and practical industrial applications. In addition to his formal degrees, Dr. Harzallah has continuously expanded his knowledge through international collaborations and participation in professional development initiatives. His education has equipped him with multidisciplinary expertise, blending textile engineering with sustainable design principles. This combination of high-level education and continuous skill enhancement has positioned him as a leading figure in textile innovation and eco-conscious material development in the global academic landscape.
Professional Experience
Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah has built an impressive professional career as an Associate Professor at the University of Haute-Alsace, where he is affiliated with ENSISA and LPMT – EA 4365. With over 20 years of experience, he has played a central role in textile engineering research and education. His career includes scientific leadership within the Laboratoire de Physique et Mécanique Textiles, where he has coordinated textile metrology laboratories and led several major research initiatives. He has served as an elected member of both the Research Commission and the Academic Council at the University of Haute-Alsace, contributing to institutional development and research policy. Dr. Harzallah has also been actively involved in promoting international academic partnerships and double-degree programs, especially with universities in Tunisia. In addition to his research and teaching responsibilities, he has participated in international pedagogical projects in Algeria and Mongolia, demonstrating his commitment to global knowledge exchange. His professional journey includes close collaborations with both academic and industrial partners in countries like Cameroon, Iran, the United States, and Australia. This international exposure has significantly enriched his expertise and allowed him to contribute to cutting-edge developments in sustainable textile materials and fiber engineering.
Research Interest
Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah’s primary research interests center on the morphological, physico-chemical, and mechanical characterization of natural fibers, with a particular emphasis on exotic plant fibers. His work focuses on the valorization of these fibers for applications in textiles and bio-based composite materials, aligning strongly with sustainability goals. He has also explored the development of functional polymeric fibers and innovative nanostructured textile materials. A core theme in his research is eco-design, where he seeks to create environmentally friendly and high-performance materials. Dr. Harzallah’s interdisciplinary research bridges materials science, textile engineering, and mechanical analysis, contributing to the evolution of next-generation fibers and composites. His collaborations with international research teams and industries aim to translate laboratory findings into real-world applications, particularly in sustainable product design. In addition, he has shown interest in textile metrology, advancing methodologies for precise measurement and quality control in fiber-based products. Dr. Harzallah’s research is not only theoretical but also application-driven, with significant relevance to eco-conscious manufacturing, green composites, and functional textiles. His diverse research portfolio continues to contribute to the advancement of sustainable engineering practices and offers valuable insights into the circular economy within the textile and materials industries.
Research Skills
Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah possesses a wide range of research skills essential for advanced textile and fiber engineering. He is highly proficient in the morphological, physico-chemical, and mechanical characterization of natural and synthetic fibers. His expertise includes advanced testing and analytical methods for evaluating fiber properties, durability, and performance in composite applications. Dr. Harzallah is skilled in eco-design methodologies, enabling him to develop sustainable and high-functionality textile products. He has hands-on experience in creating functional polymeric fibers and nanostructured textile materials, integrating novel processing techniques to achieve targeted material characteristics. His research skill set also encompasses textile metrology, where he contributes to the development of precise measurement techniques and laboratory standards for textile analysis. Additionally, he is adept at managing multidisciplinary research teams and coordinating complex laboratory infrastructures. Dr. Harzallah’s international collaborations have equipped him with cross-cultural research management skills and the ability to lead joint research projects. He regularly serves as a reviewer for national and international funding bodies, providing critical evaluations of research proposals. His comprehensive research abilities allow him to translate scientific concepts into practical applications, driving innovation in sustainable textiles and bio-based composites across academic and industrial domains.
Awards and Honors
Throughout his career, Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah has received several prestigious awards and honors that recognize his scientific and academic contributions. In 2012, he was awarded the Théophile Legrand International Prize for Textile Innovation, which is a significant accolade in the textile industry, celebrating groundbreaking advancements in textile materials and processes. This award highlights his role in developing innovative, eco-friendly fiber technologies. In 2021, he was honored with the “Avenir” Award by the Association of Textile Industry Chemists, further recognizing his forward-thinking approach and leadership in textile engineering. In addition to these awards, Dr. Harzallah’s influence is acknowledged through his position as an expert reviewer for funding agencies such as the French National Research Agency (ANR) and Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). His standing in the academic community is reinforced by his contributions to international conferences, numerous collaborative projects, and his supervision of doctoral candidates. These recognitions not only validate his research excellence but also underscore his role as a thought leader in sustainable textiles and fiber science. Dr. Harzallah’s award-winning innovations and sustained academic impact have significantly advanced the field of eco-conscious textile engineering.
Conclusion
Dr. Omar Anis Harzallah stands out as a highly qualified and deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His contributions to textile science, particularly in the characterization and valorization of natural fibers, reflect a deep commitment to sustainability and innovation. Through his extensive research, academic leadership, and international collaborations, he has consistently driven forward the development of eco-friendly materials and functional textiles. His impressive record of publications, patents, and successful student supervision highlights his dedication to advancing knowledge and mentoring the next generation of researchers. Dr. Harzallah’s work not only advances scientific understanding but also addresses critical global challenges such as sustainable material production and circular economy practices. His ability to bridge academic theory with industrial application makes his research highly impactful and widely respected. His awards and recognitions further validate his pioneering role in textile innovation. Dr. Harzallah’s career demonstrates a balanced integration of research excellence, educational commitment, and international outreach. With his strong multidisciplinary background, proven research capabilities, and dedication to eco-design, he continues to be a valuable contributor to the advancement of textile engineering and sustainable material sciences.
Publications Top Notes
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Aurélie Decker, Jean-Yves Drean, Vivien Sarazin, Omar Harzallah – 2024
Influence of Different Retting on Hemp Stem and Fiber Characteristics Under the East of France Climate Conditions
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Thomas Jeannin, Gilles Arnold, Alain Bourmaud, Stéphane Corn, Emmanuel De Luycker, Pierre J.J. Dumont, Manuela Ferreira, Camille François, Marie Grégoire, Omar Harzallah et al. – 2024
A round-robin study on the tensile characterization of single fibres: A multifactorial analysis and recommendations for more reliable results
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Wafa Mahjoub, Sarangoo Ukhnaa, Jean-Yves Drean, Omar Harzallah – 2024
Influence of Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Mongolian Cashmere Fiber Properties
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Narcisse Defo, Omar Harzallah, Rodrigue Nicodème Tagne Sikame, Ebenezer Njeugna, Sophie Bistac – 2024
Effect of alkaline treatment on hard vegetable shells on the properties of biobased abrasive wheels
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Solange Mélanie Anafack, Omar Harzallah, Didymus Efeze Nkemaja, Paul William Mejouyo Huisken, Aurélie Decker, Rodrigue Nicodème Sikame Tagne, Jean-Yves Drean, K. Murugesh Babu, Ebenezer Njeugna – 2023
Effects of extraction techniques on textile properties of William banana peduncle fibers
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Syrille Brice Tchinwoussi Youbi, Omar Harzallah, Nicodème Rodrigue Sikame Tagne, Paul William Mejouyo Huisken, Tido Tiwa Stanislas, Jean-Yves Drean, Sophie Bistac, Ebenezer Njeugna, Chenggao Li – 2023
Effect of Raphia vinifera Fibre Size and Reinforcement Ratio on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of an Epoxy Matrix Composite: Micromechanical Modelling and Weibull Analysis
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Adel Elamri, Khmais Zdiri, Mohamed Hamdaoui, Omar Harzallah – 2023
Chitosan: A biopolymer for textile processes and products
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Imen Landolsi, Narjes Rjiba, Mohamed Hamdaoui, Omar Harzallah, Anis, Chedly Boudokhane – 2022
Homogeneous microwave-assisted carboxymethylation from totally chlorine free bleached olive tree pruning residues pulp
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Khmais Zdiri, Omar Harzallah, Adel Elamri, Nabyl Khenoussi, Jocelyne Brendlé, Hamdaoui Mohamed – 2018
Rheological and thermal behavior of Tunisian clay reinforced recycled polypropylene composites