Ramata Toulaye Sy

A Trailblazing Life: Ramata Toulaye Sy and Her Contributions to Science and Education

Early Life and Education

Ramata Toulaye Sy was born in Senegal in 1954 and was passionate about science and education from a young age. She earned her doctorate in Biochemistry from the University of Montpellier in France, making her the first Senegalese woman to obtain a doctorate in science.

Academic and Research Career

Sy returned to Senegal and joined the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar as a professor of biochemistry in 1982. Her research focused on sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder particularly prevalent in Senegal. She established a laboratory dedicated to studying the disorder and set up a screening program to detect it in newborns.

Promoting Science Education

Beyond her research, Sy was committed to promoting science education in Senegal and Africa. She founded the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in 2014, a non-profit organization dedicated to training Africa's top science students. AIMS has since expanded to several countries on the continent, providing advanced training in mathematics and physics.

Leadership and Advocacy

Sy's leadership and advocacy extended to the international stage. She served as a member of the United Nations Scientific Advisory Board (2002-2008) and the UNESCO International Bioethics Committee (2005-2011). Her voice was vital in shaping global policies on science and education, particularly in Africa.

Honors and Recognition

Sy's exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous awards. She received the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in Life Sciences in 2008 and the L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award in 2011. In 2021, she was appointed as a member of the UN Secretary-General's Scientific Advisory Board, where she continues to champion science and education for sustainable development.

Legacy and Impact

Ramata Toulaye Sy's life and work have significantly impacted the scientific and educational landscape of Senegal and Africa. Her research on sickle cell anemia has contributed to a better understanding of the disorder and improved diagnostic and treatment options. Through AIMS, she has played a critical role in developing a new generation of African scientists equipped to address the challenges facing their countries. Her unwavering commitment to promoting science education and her advocacy work have paved the way for greater scientific advancement and equity in Africa and beyond.

Further Reading

• Professor Ramata Toulaye Sy aims to overcome Africa's science gap
• Changing the Face of Science in Africa: Interview with Ramata Toulaye Sy
• AIMS Professor Ramata Toulaye Sy wins the 2011 Loreal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science