saturday, march 6, 2021 at 2:35 pm
(Par Brahim Benhammou)
Abu Dhabi – Driven by a strong passion for science and dedicated to her research work, Moroccan Ismahane Elouafi has carved out, over the years, a worldwide reputation in one of the most complex sciences: plant genetics .
Her refined research and her numerous scientific achievements have earned her the appointment to leading positions at the global level before establishing herself, since last September, as Chief Scientist of the United Nations for the United Nations. food and agriculture (FAO).
Native of Youssoufia in Morocco, this pioneer of agricultural sciences actively campaigns for the promotion of women in science, the safeguard of traditional cultures and the fight against social exclusion and the use of non-potable water in agriculture.
The “rich and extensive” scientific knowledge of the Moroccan researcher is considered by the FAO as “real wealth which will help to meet the challenges facing the Near East and North Africa region”.
Ismahane Elouafi studied at the Hassan II Agronomic and Veterinary Institute (IAV Hassan- II). In 1993, she obtained her bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences and in 1995, her master’s degree in plant genetics. In 2001, she completed her doctorate in genetics at the University of Cordoba, Spain.
From 2006 to 2007, Elouafi was Senior Advisor to the Assistant Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), where she implemented a new internal peer review system. In May 2007, she joined the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as national manager of botanical research.
In 2010, the Moroccan scientist became director of research and management of the CFIA. In particular, it is developing a new partnership model between the Canadian agency and Genome Canada, as well as with several research institutes.
Two years later, in 2012, Ms. Elouafi moved to the United Arab Emirates where she was appointed Director General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture. She initiated the “Awla” program for the promotion of Arab women scientists in agricultural research and development.
Ranked among the twenty most influential women in the Islamic world, Ismahane Elouafi has received throughout her career numerous distinctions and decorations in recognition of her qualities and her research work, including Wissam Al Moukafaa Al Wathania 2nd class (Commander) awarded by HM King Mohammed VI (2014), the Global Thinker Forum Award for Excellence in Science (2014) and the Arab Women of the Year Award from the London Arabia organization (2016).
From 2014 to 2016, Ms. Elouafi was ranked by CEO-Middle East magazine among the 100 most influential Arab women in science.
In an interview with MAP, on the occasion of World Women’s Day, Ismahane Elouafi observed that Moroccan women stand out for their solid level of education and social training, which helps them seize opportunities. and to achieve more success at various levels abroad, where the environment is conducive to success.
Referring to the situation of Moroccan women in recent years, the scientist stressed that Morocco has made “remarkable achievements” in the promotion of women and the consolidation of gender equality.
She further called for the adoption of a progressive approach for the empowerment of women to enable them to fully develop their potential in various fields.
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