The award recognizes significant contributions by beamline scientists to research or instrumentation at Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source

By Andre Salles | May 13, 2025

Fezzaa is honored for his innovations in X-ray techniques that enable research into fuel efficiency, among other breakthroughs.

Physicist Kamel Fezzaa of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory has received the 2025 Gopal K. Shenoy Excellence in Beamline Science Award. 

The annual award recognizes active beamline scientists at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), a DOE Office of Science user facility at Argonne, for significant contributions to research or instrumentation and support of the beamline user community. The APS User Office grants the award, which is named after the late Gopal K. Shenoy. Shenoy was an accomplished materials scientist involved in the inception of the APS and an enthusiastic supporter of the scientists who conducted research there. 

“Receiving this award is a true privilege. It’s a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives our work forward, between the committed staff and the inquisitive users who bring our science to life.”  — Kamel Fezzaa, Argonne National Laboratory

Fezzaa led the development of a new technique: ultrafast X-ray full-field imaging and diffraction using white beams. This work has enabled numerous breakthroughs in a wide array of fields and led to the establishment of a dedicated program to study the dynamics of fuel sprays to enhance fuel injection efficiency. It also paved the way for the establishment of the Dynamic Compression Sector at beamline 35-ID, which studies the effect of high-velocity impacts on materials in extraordinary detail. The development of this technique inspired similar beamlines at light source facilities worldwide.

In recent years, Fezzaa has been instrumental in advancements in additive manufacturing, using X-ray techniques to study the 3D printing process with unprecedented precision. He has co-authored more than 300 publications, has received more than 14,000 citations and is widely respected within the scientific community. 

“Receiving this award is a true privilege,” Fezzaa said. ​“It’s a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives our work forward, between the committed staff and the inquisitive users who bring our science to life. I think many of us at the beamlines would agree: there’s nothing quite like seeing that moment of wonder when users make their first successful measurement.”

Fezzaa was nominated by five scientists from other institutions who have worked with him throughout the years. In his letter, Argonne scientist Moinuddin Ahmed of the Applied Materials division noted that Fezzaa’s support, professionalism and knowledge enhance the experience of using the APS. 

“Dr. Fezzaa’s work exemplifies the values and legacy of Gopal K. Shenoy, combining technical excellence, innovative vision and a profound impact on the scientific community,” Ahmed wrote. ​“His enduring contributions to beamline science have elevated the capabilities of the field, inspired global collaboration and laid the foundation for future breakthroughs.”

Fezzaa received his Ph.D. in physics from Joseph Fourier University in Grenoble, France. He is a member of the Imaging Group at the APS, continuing his work at beamline 32-ID on high-speed imaging and diffraction, and leading beamline enhancements activities as part of the APS Upgrade project.