Her Excellency Ameenah Gurib-Fakim served as the 6th and first Female President of the Republic of Mauritius from 2015 to 2018.
Since 2001, she has been appointed as the first female Professor at the University of Mauritius with an endowed Chair in Organic Chemistry at the Faculty of Sciences. Previously, she served as Managing Director at the Mauritius Research Council (1995-1997).
She has lectured widely, published more than 25 books and several scientific articles in the field of Biodiversity conservation, Traditional Knowledge systems and sustainable development.
For her efforts as a scientist, Gurib-Fakim has been recognized worldwide, receiving the L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, Laureate for the National and Economic Council, and the African Union Award for Women in Science, and six honorary doctorates.
She has served on advisory boards, committees for academic, research and scientific as well as international institutions.