Ms. Marie Ange Akaffou | Sustainable Food Systems| Best Researcher Award
Institut National Felix Houphouet Boigny de Yamoussoukro (INP-HB), Côte d’Ivoire
Akaffou Marie Ange is a doctoral candidate specializing in plant and animal production improvement, soil microbiology, and molecular genetics. With a solid background in biology and practical training across multiple African and European research institutions, she blends academic knowledge with real-world applications. Her academic journey began in Côte d’Ivoire and extended through research experiences in Senegal and France. Known for her teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, she is multilingual in French and English and actively engaged in intellectual and athletic pursuits such as chess and golf. Her commitment to advancing agricultural productivity and sustainability underscores her research and professional endeavors.
Profile
Education:
Akaffou Marie Ange is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at INP-HB Yamoussoukro since 2020, focusing on agricultural science and biotechnology. She earned a Master’s degree from Université de Daloa between 2016 and 2018, after obtaining her Licence in Biological Sciences from the same university (2012–2016). Her academic foundation was laid with a BAC D obtained in 2011–2012 from Lycée Moderne 01 in Agboville. Her education has been deeply rooted in biological sciences, equipping her with expertise in genetics, soil microbiology, and biostatistics using tools such as R and Python. This solid academic background supports her multidisciplinary research interests in enhancing plant and animal productivity.
Experience:
Marie Ange has participated in several doctoral internships, including a six-month placement at PHIM Montpellier, France in 2023, and two research internships at LCM Dakar, Senegal (six months in 2022 and four months in 2021). In 2018–2019, she contributed to laboratory work at LBVM INPHB Yamoussoukro, gaining hands-on experience in microbiology and genetics. Earlier, she managed a private farm in Yamoussoukro (2014–2015) and completed a teaching internship in life and earth sciences at Lycée Khalil Daloa. Her diverse experience has honed her research, teamwork, and leadership abilities, preparing her for both academic and applied scientific roles.
Awards and Honors:
While specific named awards are not listed, Akaffou Marie Ange’s academic and research trajectory reflects strong recognition through competitive doctoral internships and placements in reputable research centers in France and Senegal. Her selection for these prestigious opportunities indicates academic excellence and institutional trust in her capabilities. Her participation in national and international programs attests to her scholarly promise, work ethic, and research potential. Continued doctoral funding and international collaborations further affirm her status as a respected emerging researcher in agricultural and biological sciences.
Research Focus:
Akaffou Marie Ange focuses her doctoral research on improving plant and animal productivity through sustainable and science-based solutions. Her core interests lie in soil microbiology, molecular genetics, and biotechnology applications in agriculture. She employs modern tools like R and Python for bioinformatic and statistical analysis, aiming to understand the genetic and environmental factors influencing productivity. Her research includes work on microbial interactions in soil, genetic markers in livestock and crops, and optimizing farming systems for increased resilience. Through interdisciplinary approaches, her research addresses global challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture, particularly in tropical and sub-Saharan contexts.
Conclusion:
Akaffou Marie Ange is a highly capable early-career researcher whose academic background, technical skills, and international research experience position her as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her commitment to solving pressing agricultural challenges through molecular and microbiological approaches reflects a clear vision aligned with global development goals. While further scientific output and visibility will consolidate her standing, her current trajectory and competencies strongly support her consideration for this prestigious award. Recognizing her now would not only honor her current achievements but also encourage and empower a rising talent in the field of sustainable agriculture and biotechnology
Publication
Title: Phylogenetic Diversity and Symbiotic Effectiveness of Bradyrhizobium Strains Nodulating Glycine max in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Marie Ange Akaffou, Romain Kouakou Fossou, Anicet Ediman Théodore Ebou, Zaka Ghislaine Claude Kouadjo-Zézé, Chiguié Estelle Raïssa-Emma Amon, Clémence Chaintreuil, Saliou Fall, Adolphe Zézé
Year: 2025
Link (DOI): https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071720
Title: Genetic diversity of exotic and local eggplants (Solanum spp.) cultivated in Côte d’Ivoire based on ISSR markers
Authors: N’Guessan Olivier Konan, Marie Ange Akaffou, Léonard Kouadio, Doffou Sélastique Akaffou, Guy Mergeai
Year: 2020
Link (DOI): https://doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d210830