
The International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI) today appointed Prof. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, as the Honorable President of the Institute; the first in its history. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, who has served as the 6th President of Mauritius from 2015-2018, has more than 37 years of experience in academia, management and as an international leader.
After completing her BS in chemistry at the University of Surrey, and a PhD degree in organic chemistry at Exeter University, she took employment at the University of Mauritius. She was a Professor with a personal chair in Organic Chemistry at the University of Mauritius (2001) and where she served successively as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Pro–Vice Chancellor (2004–2010). She also worked at the Mauritius Research Council as Manager for Research (1995–1997). She served as the Chairperson of the International Council for Scientific Union – Regional Office for Africa (2011–2014). In 2015-2018, she was appointed President of the Republic of Mauritius.
Gurib-Fakim has also been the recipient of various international awards including the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science (2007), Laureate for the National Economic and Social Council (2007), the CTA / NEPAD / AGRA / RUFORUM for ‘African Women in Science’ and the African Union Award for Women in Science. She was also made Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (CSK) by President Anerood Jugnauth in 2008 for her contribution to the education and the scientific sector. She was awarded the Order of the ‘Chevalier de l’Ordre des Palmes Academiques’ by the Government of France in 2009. Upon becoming President, she was automatically elevated to the highest civilian award of Grand Commander of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (GSCK).
“We are delighted to welcome Prof. Dr. Ameenah Gurib-Fakim to IETI,” said IETI Presidents, M. James C. Crabbe, Ramesh K. Agarwal, and Michael E. Auer. “We thank her in advance and support her future actions. She is uniquely positioned to make an immediate impact – building on IETI’s momentum and advancing our mission to have academic excellence.”