Research is one aspect of academics which is beginning to take its full shape with the advent of digital technology, internet facilities, and the renewed drive for growth and development in all sectors of the economy. It is against this backdrop that the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) was established in Dubai UAE, to facilitate research in the field of agriculture.
Dr Ismahane Elouafi is Director-General of the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). Before joining ICBA in 2012, she had led the Research and Partnerships Division at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
She holds a PhD in Genetics from Cordoba University, Spain. She has a passion for science, its management and integration with policy. She believes that science has to be the basis of decisions and development plans in order to gain efficiencies and alleviate discrimination and poverty.
Being dedicated to agricultural research for development over many years, she has developed an intimate knowledge of agricultural research and it’s potential for improving rural livelihoods, as well as challenges to ensuring food security and sustainability. During her extensive career, she has successfully built strategic partnerships with governments, institutions, academia, and private organizations in the national and international scientific research arena.
Previously, she held management positions with CFIA and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). She also worked as a scientist with several international research organizations such as the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Japan, International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).
In 2014, Muslim Science ranked her among the 20 Most Influential Women in Science in the Islamic World in the Shapers category. In the same year, CEO Middle East listed her among the World’s 100 Most Powerful Arab Women in the Science category.
She was also awarded the National Reward Medal by His Majesty Mohamed VI, the King of Morocco.
