The International Science Programme, ISP, has welcomed HE Prof Ameenah Gurib-Fakim (Former President of the Republic of Mauritius) and Prof Tom Britton (Dept of Mathematics, Stockholm University, Sweden) as its new Board members.
The duo of Prof. Gurib-Fakim and and Prof Britton here reveal their expectations as ISP new Board members, in this brief interviews.
Prof Gurib-Fakim, who are you?
– I am a Chemist by training and have a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Exeter, UK. I have spent my academic career at the University of Mauritius. As the first woman Professor, I have served as Dean of the Faculty of Science, Deputy Vice Chancellor.
During my academic days, I worked on Herbal medicine and Traditional knowledge systems, creating the first database on the IKS (Indigenous Knowledge Systems) of my country and the surrounding region. I also coedited the first African Herbal Pharmacopoeia. I have published several scientific papers, books and book chapters both locally and internationally. After retiring from my academic position I translated my research data into an enterprise with a vision to produce innovative ingredients for industry in the pharma, cosmetic and food sectors. Finally in 2014, I was voted as the first ever female president of the Republic of Mauritius until 2018.
Why did you want to work with ISP?
– I was appointed on the Reference Group for Chemistry in 2008 until 2014. I am aware of the running of this group and also on the vision and mission of the ISP. It is a commendable effort on behalf of the Swedish Government.
What are your expectations of this work?
– ISP has been going on for several decades and has established itself as a credible partner for many universities/institutions in the developing world and focus countries of Sweden. I think ISP will keep consolidating its efforts in the promotion of the culture of science which is badly needed and especially if we are to attain the Sustainable Development Goals.
Something you would like to add?
– Covid-19 has highlighted the importance of the need for a strong science base especially in policy making. I hope that one of the priority areas for ISP will be to help promote science communication.
Prof Britton, who are you?
– I´m a Professor in Mathematical statistics and also the Dean of Mathematics-Physics Division at Stockholm University, Sweden. My main research interest is infectious disease modelling and data analysis.
Why did you want to work with ISP?
– I have a strong interest improve higher education and research in low and lower-middle income countries. I have been in the ISP reference group for Mathematics for about 15 years. I have also supervised four PhD students within ISP.
What are your expectations of this work?
– It will be interesting to see ISP activities from a different perspective.
Something you would like to add?
– A problem I have noted are the two funding sources: ISP Core programme and the Sida bilateral research programs. It would be good if these were better “connected”.
This content has first been published by ISP.
