10/12/2026
Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a Mauritian scientist and former President of Mauritius. She was born on 17 October 1959 and studied chemistry at the University of Surrey before earning a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Exeter. She later returned to Mauritius and worked at the University of Mauritius, where she became a professor of organic chemistry and held senior academic positions.
Dr. Gurib-Fakim is particularly known for her research into medicinal plants and biodiversity. Her scientific work explored the medicinal properties of plants, especially those found in Mauritius and Africa. She received several international awards for her contributions to science, including the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science in 2007 and the African Union Award for Women in Science.
In 2015, she became the first woman to be elected President of Mauritius, serving until 2018. She remains an important African figure in science and public life.
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