# Ameenah Gurib-Fakim

> scientist and president of Mauritius

**Wikidata**: [Q20022984](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q20022984)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ameenah_Gurib-Fakim)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ameenah-gurib-fakim

## Summary
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is a scientist and the president of Mauritius, serving as the head of state of the Indian Ocean island nation. She is a prominent figure in Mauritian politics and science, known for her contributions to phytochemistry and her leadership role in government.

## Biography
- Born: October 17, 1959
- Nationality: Mauritian
- Education:
  - Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Mauritius
  - Doctorate from the University of Exeter
  - Postdoctoral research at the University of Surrey
- Known for: Pioneering work in phytochemistry and leadership in Mauritian politics
- Employer(s):
  - University of Mauritius (affiliated researcher)
  - Government of Mauritius (political leader)
- Field(s): Chemistry, phytochemistry, politics

## Contributions
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim has made significant contributions to phytochemistry, particularly in the study of plant-derived chemicals. Her research has been recognized through membership in the Linnean Society of London, a prestigious organization for taxonomy and natural history. Additionally, she has held leadership roles in government, including serving as the president of Mauritius.

## FAQs
**What is Ameenah Gurib-Fakim known for?**
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim is known for her scientific research in phytochemistry and her role as the president of Mauritius. Her work has advanced the study of plant-derived chemicals and contributed to Mauritian governance.

**Where did Ameenah Gurib-Fakim study?**
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Mauritius, a Doctorate from the University of Exeter, and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Surrey.

**What organizations is Ameenah Gurib-Fakim affiliated with?**
She is affiliated with the University of Mauritius, the Linnean Society of London, and the Government of Mauritius.

**What awards has Ameenah Gurib-Fakim received?**
She has received the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, and a doctorate honoris causa from the Pierre and Marie Curie University.

## Why They Matter
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim's work in phytochemistry has advanced scientific understanding of plant-derived chemicals, contributing to fields like medicine and agriculture. As president of Mauritius, she has played a crucial role in shaping the country's political and economic direction, promoting stability and development. Her leadership has influenced Mauritian governance and international relations, particularly in the Indian Ocean region.

## Notable For
- President of Mauritius (2024–present)
- Member of the Linnean Society of London
- Recipient of the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science
- Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour
- Doctor honoris causa from the Pierre and Marie Curie University
- Affiliated researcher at the University of Mauritius

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was born on October 17, 1959. She pursued her undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the University of Mauritius, where she developed an early interest in phytochemistry. She later obtained a Doctorate from the University of Exeter and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Surrey, furthering her expertise in plant-derived chemicals.

### Scientific Contributions
Gurib-Fakim's research in phytochemistry has been influential, particularly in the study of plant chemicals and their applications. Her work has been recognized by the Linnean Society of London, a leading organization for taxonomy and natural history. Her publications and affiliations have advanced scientific knowledge in the field.

### Political Career
In 2024, Ameenah Gurib-Fakim was elected as the president of Mauritius, succeeding Dharam Gokhool. As head of state, she has focused on governance, economic development, and international relations, promoting Mauritius as a stable and prosperous nation in the Indian Ocean.

### Awards and Recognition
Gurib-Fakim has received numerous accolades, including the L'Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, the Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour, and a doctorate honoris causa from the Pierre and Marie Curie University. These honors reflect her contributions to science and leadership.

### Legacy
Ameenah Gurib-Fakim's work in phytochemistry and her leadership in Mauritian politics have left a lasting impact. As president, she continues to shape the country's future, while her scientific research has advanced the understanding of plant-derived chemicals, benefiting fields such as medicine and agriculture.

## References

1. [Source](http://president.govmu.org/English/The-President/Pages/Former-Presidents.aspx)
2. [Source](http://www.aasciences.org/index.php/mauritious/275-gurib-fakim-ameenah-prof-ms)
3. [Biodiversity researcher becomes first female president of Mauritius](http://www.sciencemag.org/careers/2015/07/biodiversity-researcher-becomes-first-female-president-mauritius)
4. [Mauritius profile. 2014](http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13882235)
5. [Source](http://www.upmc.fr/en/university/history_and_famous_people/doctors_honoris_causa/dhc_2013/ameenah_gurib_fakim.html)
6. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20140704075742/http://upmc.fr/fr/universite/histoire_et_personnalites/les_docteurs_honoris_causa/dhc2013.html)
7. [Gurib-Fakim Ameenah. African Academy of Sciences](https://www.aasciences.africa/fellow/gurib-fakim-ameenah)
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
11. Davos 2017 Participant List
12. IdRef
13. BBC Things
14. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File