Friday 29 March 2024
 
»
 
»
Story

Amit Roy

Leading Moroccan groups set up Global Phosphorus Institute

RABAT (Morocco), June 16, 2021

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and Ibn Rochd Foundation for Science and Innovation (FIRSI) both based in Morocco, have announced the creation of the Global Phosphorus Institute (GPI). 
 
Morocco, as the custodian of the planet’s largest known reserves of phosphate, the mineral form of phosphorus, has a unique duty to encourage and support global research, innovation and dialogue on this essential element and its vital role in life on earth.
 
Phosphorus is an essential element for all living organisms, and it cannot be substituted by another element. It is the foundation of the bones, teeth and muscles of human, livestock and all mammals, said an expert at the GPI.
 
DNA, the basic building block of life itself, consists of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus. It is critical to food and nutrition security as it affects plant growth and agricultural productivity, he explained.
 
The GPI mainly aims to bring together premier scientists, policy makers and communicators, industry leaders, educators and a variety of food security stakeholders on a single platform.
 
The global institute has appointed Dr Amit Roy as its first executive director to spearhead the operations. His initial focus will be creating the Consortium for cutting-edge phosphorus research projects, building global coalitions, and establishing research hubs around the world.
 
An industry veteran, Roy has been involved in phosphorus research for more than four decades beginning with his graduate work for a doctoral degree.
 
At the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), he developed new products and processes for conversion of newly discovered phosphate rock into fertilizers along with other activities related to food production and agricultural development. 
 
An independent non-profit international institution, GPI will undertake and facilitate research to develop sustainable phosphorus management strategies to ensure its availability for the present and future generations, remarked Hicham El Habti, the President of UM6P and GPI.
 
“GPI will promote global, science-based, inclusive dialogue and collaborations on subjects ranging from industrial phosphorus use and recycling to nutrient management and stewardship,“ he stated.
 
Welcoming Roy's appointment, El Habti said: “His vast experience combined with his enormous breath of knowledge, research work and experience in managing the International Fertilizer Development Center are valuable assets to GPI. I am confident that his qualifications will make him succeed in building out this Institute,” he stated.
 
As CEO of IFDC, he oversaw a number of major publications including Fertilizer Raw Material Resources of Africa, World Phosphate Rock Reserves and Resources and Sustainable Phosphorus Management, A Global Transdisciplinary Roadmap, noted El Habti.
 
These publications helped raise global awareness about phosphorus and inspired similar initiatives around the globe.
 
He also launched more than 20 international IFDC branch offices to establish collaborative global research programs and spearheaded the 2006 Africa Fertilizer Summit held in Abuja, Nigeria.
 
On his new role, Roy said: “I am honored and excited to develop GPI into the global convener of all things phosphorus. This platform will be available to anyone from the local dairy farmer to the climate scientist to the chemistry student to the food manufacturer interested industries because we must ensure that phosphorus, a non-substitutable vital element is responsibly managed and available for future generations."
 
El Hebti said: “GPI looks forward to convening experts with a variety of diverse backgrounds and views to develop a variety of different approaches to phosphorus use."
 
“Sustainable and innovative use of phosphorus is essential to improve life on earth in all its forms,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service



Tags:

More Industry, Logistics & Shipping Stories

calendarCalendar of Events

Ads