South Africa Department of Science and Technology (DST)
Dr Maneshree Jugmohan-Naidu, whose expertise ranges from genetic diversity of plant pathogens to diagnostics in health biotechnology sector, is the Director of Agricultural Biotechnology at the South Africa Department of Science and Technology (DST). Maneshree coordinates key strategies and programmes in agricultural biotechnology/bio-economy, including international/bilateral cooperation, and the development of an enabling and conducive environment for responsible biotechnology in South Africa. She has been involved in management of research including policy and governance at the national level for the past 10 years. Prior to joining the DST, Maneshree worked for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (National), the NHLS and the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine (UKZN). She has also served on various committees including the JIPSA Agriculture Technical Working Group (the Presidency), the National Science and Technology Forum, various intergovernmental committees, the National Agro-processing forum, as member of the Executive council of the GMO Act in South Africa and more recently as steering committee member of the Southern Africa Network for Biosciences (SANBIO).