Dr Awa Bousso Dramé was celebrated in the UNESCO Global Virtual Science Museum – Women in Science Collection (2025), as a Pioneer African Island Ocean scientist for her exceptional contributions to Ocean sciences, GeoAI, Science/Policy and girls’ STEM education across Africa and Island States along 43 Brilliant Women advancing the frontiers of Science since the 18th Century, including Émilie du Châtelet (Maths & Physics), Marie Curie (Physics), Mary W Jackson (Geospatial & Aeronautics).
Dr Awa Bousso Dramé was celebrated in the UNESCO Global Virtual Science Museum – Women in Science Collection (2025), as a Pioneer African Island Ocean scientist for her exceptional contributions to Ocean sciences, GeoAI, Science/Policy and girls’ STEM education across Africa and Island States.
Her profile, titled “Charting the Oceans with Science, Technologies, Social Impact & Girls’ STEM Education”, highlights her leadership in bridging cutting-edge research with community impact. She is portrayed along 43 Brilliant Women advancing the frontiers of Science since the 18th Century, including Émilie du Châtelet (Maths & Physics), Marie Curie (Physics), Mary W Jackson (Geospatial & Aeronautics).
“Research and decision-making lack women, and especially African women and Island States citizens .”
As a native of (Dakar, Senegal), and Mindelo, São Vicente Island (Cabo Verde), Dr Awa Bousso DRAME is a Researcher in Ocean Sciences and GeoAI, brings a unique perspective rooted in the realities of African Island States (BOS/SIDS). She leverages her expertise to ensure that the challenges and opportunities of Islands’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) are represented in global ocean governance discussions.
About Dr Awa
With over 10 years of international experience across 21+ countries, Dr. Dramé is a multiple awards winner, including the
- 2022 L’Oréal-UNESCO Women in Science Award
- 2023 Forbes Africa 30 Under 30
- 2024 PMI Honoree
- 2025 Top World Business in Sustainability
Her expertise and leadership have earned her appointments to several high-level advisory roles, including the:
- African Union Geospatial Program (Gender component, Women in GMES),
- UN Ocean Decade Advisory Board,
- UNESCO Youth Steering Committee & Grants Selection Committee,
- UNESCO STEM Working Group,
- IREX / US Department of State Selection Committee (Mandela Washington Fellowship),
- Appointed Co-Chair & Rapporteur of Senegal National AI
- Advisory to Cabo Verde National Decade Committee
She joins a diverse and international team committed to creating tangible impact in ocean conservation, sustainable management, and policy innovation. Her appointment reflects her leadership in translating cutting-edge research into actionable solutions for governments and communities, and her dedication to advancing science for societal benefit.
A passionate champion for Gender inclusion in Science, Dr. Dramé has designed and leads transformative STEM educational initiatives — GEN4STEM, Field2Lab, and Ocean4Kids Cabo Verde — which have reached 21 countries in West Africa and empowered over 450 women and girls to pursue science and innovation. According to her, she is contributing to her own mission in this globalised world, quoting Dr Frantz Fanon:
“Chaque génération doit dans une relative opacité découvrir sa mission, la remplir ou la trahir .” – Fanon, Frantz (1961). Les damnés de la terre.
Learn more about Dr Awa Bousso DRAME’s profile and experience.
Read more about the Her research (ResearchGate, Google) and CoastGIS STEM Programs.
