Prof. Dr. Laila Mandi is an internationally recognized expert in water and environmental sciences, with over 30 years of transformative contributions as a professor at the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia, Cadi Ayyad University (Morocco). She earned all her academic degrees from the same institution, including her Ph.D. and State Doctorate in Water Treatment. A pioneer in sustainable wastewater management, she integrates research excellence, education, and capacity-building programs to address critical environmental challenges. As National Coordinator of the Pole of Competence on Water and Environment (2001-2016), she led a network of over 300 researchers in Moroccan universities, fostering collaboration between academia and socio-economic stakeholders. In 2005, in partnership with Veolia Water and the University of Limoges, she launched Morocco's first professional bachelor's degree in sanitation management, achieving a graduate employment rate of over 90%. She also played a key role in developing professional master's programs in wastewater and solid waste management at the Faculty of Sciences Semlalia. As Director of the National Center for Studies and Research on Water and Energy (CNEREE) from 2007-2023, she led groundbreaking R&D projects, including the implementation of nature-based wastewater treatment technologies, which significantly improved sanitation in rural areas. Prof. Mandi has coordinated numerous national and international research projects, served as guest editor and reviewer for leading scientific journals, and evaluated numerous water treatment projects worldwide. She has supervised more than 35 Ph.D. students, authored more than 200 scientific publications, and holds four patents on wastewater treatment technologies. She has also founded two start-ups dedicated to environmental innovation. Her contributions to sustainable development have earned her prestigious awards, including a fellowship at the France Water Academy and the Islamic Development Bank Prize for Women's Contribution to Development. She actively supports community development and environmental sustainability through leadership roles in NGOs such as the Development Center of the Tensift Region and the International Institute for Sustainable Transition in Africa.
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