The Faculty of Engineering at University of Balamand proudly celebrates a remarkable international research achievement by Mira Fatfat (MS student at the Mechanical Engineering Department) and her supervisor Dr. Chawki Lahoud Assistant Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department).Their paper entitled “Thermal and Energy Performance of Double-Layer BioPCM Walls in Mediterranean Climate”; earned the conference’s Best Paper Award in recognition of its scientific excellence, originality, and innovation. The paper was selected from more than 160 submissions representing over 30 countries worldwide at the prestigious TMREES26 International Conference on Technologies and Materials for Renewable Energy, Environment and Sustainability, that was held from April 16 to April 18, 2026 in France.

Organized by the European Academy for Sustainable Development (EURACA), the TMREES Conference Series brings together leading researchers and academics from around the world to advance interdisciplinary discussions on renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental innovation. The conference serves as a global platform for presenting cutting-edge research and fostering collaborative solutions to today’s most pressing environmental challenges.

The award-winning research addresses energy efficiency and sustainable building solutions in Mediterranean climates, contributing to global efforts toward environmentally responsible and energy-efficient design practices.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud congratulated both Dr. Lahoud and Mira for earning the Best Paper Award stating: “it heartens me to see our students engage in top notch research, publish in peer review journals and win international competitions. In addition, this international recognition reflects the ongoing dedication of the Faculty of Engineering at University of Balamand to impactful research, academic excellence, and global engagement. This achievement further reinforces the faculty’s growing role in advancing innovative engineering designs and solutions that support sustainability and renewable energy development worldwide”.