Dr Ismahane Elouafi, a Moroccan/Canadian, took up the position of ICBA Director General in August 2012. Prior to her appointment to ICBA, Dr Elouafi held management positions within the Canadian federal system, including the position of Director of the Research Management and Partnerships Division at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the position of Senior-Advisor to the Assistant Deputy Minister - Research at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). From her experience with CFIA and AAFC, Dr Ismahane gained valuable skills in science management and science/policy integration.
Dr Elouafi holds a PhD in genetics from Cordoba University, Spain and has over 15 years experience in agricultural research, including appointments in several international research organizations such as ICARDA (International Center for Agricultural Research and Dry Areas), CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Center), and JIRCAS (Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences).