Dr. Abdirahman Elmi Fourreh at Study and research center of Djibouti (CERD), Djibouti
Dr. Abdirahman Elmi Fourreh is a distinguished researcher in phytochemistry and pharmacochemistry, currently serving at the Institut des Recherches Médicinales (IRM) under the Centre d’Études et de Recherche de Djibouti (CERD). He holds a Ph.D. in phytochemical sciences, earned through a joint doctoral program between the University of Lorraine (France) and CERD, with research focused on Djiboutian medicinal plants and their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. Dr. Fourreh has a strong academic foundation in process chemistry and pharmaceutical analysis from Joseph Fourier University, Grenoble. Since 2011, he has led research on natural bioactive compounds, conducted international missions in France and Malaysia, and actively contributed to scientific literature and laboratory management. He was selected as Djibouti’s Ambassador for the Next Einstein Forum (2022–2024) and received the prestigious NAPI-UNESCO/TWAS research grant (2024–2026). Fluent in French, Arabic, Somali, and scientific English, Dr. Fourreh is a leading advocate for advancing medicinal plant research in Africa.
Professional Profile:
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Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award: Dr. Abdirahman Elmi Fourreh
Dr. Abdirahman Elmi Fourreh is an exceptionally qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With over a decade of dedicated research at the Institut des Recherches Médicinales (IRM) under the Centre d’Études et de Recherche de Djibouti (CERD), his work has contributed significantly to the fields of phytochemistry, pharmacochemistry, and the valorization of Djiboutian medicinal plants with proven antimicrobial and anticancer properties. He holds a robust academic background with dual research training (co-tutelle Ph.D.) between France and Djibouti, and has participated in various international research missions and training programs in leading institutions. His hands-on expertise includes advanced analytical techniques (LC-MS, NMR, GC-MS, HPTLC), drug quality control, and biotechnological applications. In addition, his leadership in laboratory management, project execution, and student mentorship reflects a strong commitment to research excellence and capacity building.
🎓 Education Background
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2015–2018: Ph.D. in Phytochemistry and Pharmacochemistry (Co-tutelle)
🏫 Université de Lorraine, France & CERD, Djibouti
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2008–2009: Master II in Process Chemistry – Pharmaceutical Formulation, Analysis & Quality Control
🏫 Université Joseph Fourier, Grenoble
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2007–2008: Master I in Process Chemistry
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2004–2007: Bachelor’s in Physics-Chemistry
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2004: Scientific Baccalaureate 🎓 – Djibouti
💼 Professional Experience
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Since Dec 2011: Researcher 🔬 at Phytochemistry-Pharmacochemistry Lab, IRM-CERD, Djibouti
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2009–2011: Physics & Chemistry Teacher 🧪 at State High School, Djibouti
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Extensive research missions across France (Nancy, Grenoble, Brest) and Djibouti 🌍
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Conducted analytical and structural studies on medicinal plants, essential oils, and pharmaceutical compounds
🏅 Awards & Honors
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🧪 NAPI-SG Grant (UNESCO-TWAS, 2024–2026)
Project: Physicochemical study and anticancer activity of microemulsion essential oils from Cymbopogon species
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✈️ Travel Grant (ICGEB, 2023) – Attended a training course on Molecular Microbiology in Malaysia
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🌍 Ambassador of Djibouti – Next Einstein Forum (NEF), 2022–2024
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🧬 Recognized Principal Investigator under the New African Principal Investigator (NAPI) program
🌟 Key Achievements
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10+ research internships and collaborative missions in Europe and Africa
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Authored multiple scientific communications 🗒️ (4 oral presentations, 8 posters)
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Strong expertise in extraction & purification, LC-MS, HPLC, GC-MS, NMR, and antioxidant evaluation
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Mentored undergraduate and master’s students 📚
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Multilingual: Fluent in French 🇫🇷, Arabic 🇸🇦, English 🇬🇧 (scientific), and Somali 🇸🇴
Publication Top Notes:
Essential Oils of Tagetes minuta and Lavandula coronopifolia from Djibouti: Chemical Composition, Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxic Activity against Various …
Cited: 51
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities, Cytotoxicity of Acacia seyal Del Bark Extracts and Isolated Compounds
Cited: 50
Evaluation of microbiological quality of raw milk from farmers and dairy producers in six districts of Djibouti
Cited: 26
Rapid screening for bioactive natural compounds in Indigofera caerulea Rox fruits
Cited: 25
Essential Oils of Ocimum basilicum L. and Ocimum americanum L. from Djibouti: Chemical Composition, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxicity Evaluations
Cited: 22