HE Gurib Fakim - Former IPICS Reference Group Member

April 2017
H.E. Prof Ameenah Gurib Fakim was the first female President of the Republic of Mauritius in 2015. She is a distinguished organic chemistry researcher studying the use and application of Mauritian plants in health, nutrition and cosmetics. Between 2004 and 2010 she acted as the Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Science Faculty at University of Mauritius, and in 2011 she became Managing Director of the research organization CIDP Research & Innovation. Between 2009 and 2016 she served as a member of ISP’s scientific reference group in chemistry, evaluating applications and giving scientific advice.

Why did you choose to join the IPICS reference group? 

I was aware of the activities of ISP long before I served on IPICS reference group. I had been to conferences organized by the ISP supported networks NAPRECA and also ANRAP in Dhaka. I was impressed with the commitment that Sida through ISP has vis a vis developing countries especially for capacity building in the sciences. It is a fact that if countries are to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), there is an urgent need to master the sciences and relevant tools to be able to ensure resilience. When I was approached by Dr. Peter Sundin to serve on this important committee, I readily accepted!

What are your thoughts on ISP's work?

ISP has been doing a great job to ensure capacity building in many countries where the basic facilities are absent. The fact that ISP operates long term makes a big difference as students and researchers in those institutions have the comfort sustained financial contributions. However, ISP has to ensure also that other partners come on board to further consolidate these activities. Regional partners and countries that have done well economically and that have benefited from ISP contribution could also be encouraged to join in this effort to become donors. Here I think of countries in Southeast Asia for example. 

Why do you believe it is important to support research and higher education in lower-income countries?

In 2015, the UN put forward the 17 SDGs. If we are to witness success in this initiative in 2030, we must empower the people with the appropriate tools through Science, Technology and Innovation to make gains. Women have to be empowered in order to make a dent in agriculture for example, especially the wake of a changing climate. Water and energy are key issues that all need to be addressed. All these issues can be tackled provided capacity building is reinforced and sustained in the long term. Again here I salute the initiative of ISP that has had the foresight over 50 years ago!