Tamara el-Zein
Tamara el-Zein | |
|---|---|
تمارا الزين | |
| Minister of Environment | |
| Assumed office 8 February 2025 | |
| President | Joseph Aoun |
| Prime Minister | Nawaf Salam |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1977 Lebanon |
| Political party | Amal Movement (reported) |
| Occupation | Scientist, academic, politician |
Tamara el-Zein (Arabic: تمارا الزين; born 1977) is a Lebanese physical chemist, academic and politician who has served as Minister of Environment since 8 February 2025 in the government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.[1] She was previously Secretary-General of the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS-L), becoming the first woman to lead the institution.[2]
Early life and education
El-Zein earned a PhD in physical chemistry from the University of Haute-Alsace in 2002, where she later served as Maître de conférences (lecturer).[3]
Scientific and academic career
In 2013, El-Zein joined the Lebanese Atomic Energy Commission at CNRS-L, establishing a research unit focused on innovative materials for radioactive decontamination.[4] She later became Research Director and headed CNRS-L's national doctoral fellowships programme; since 2016 she has been a member of the AUF International Scientific Board.[5]
With support from UNESCO, she helped establish in 2019 the National Observatory for Women in Research (DAWReK'n), which she heads, to promote women's participation in research in Lebanon.[6]
Political career
On 8 February 2025, El-Zein was appointed Minister of Environment in the government of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.[1] Media profiles noted she was the first woman to serve in the portfolio and highlighted her prior role as CNRS-L Secretary-General.[7]
In August 2025, during a 100-day review, she outlined initiatives on structural reform, digital transformation and green public procurement at the ministry.[8] She has also commented publicly on forthcoming cabinet discussions related to national security and governance matters.[9]
Honours and recognition
- L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science (Levant–Egypt fellowship, 2016; International Rising Talent, 2017).[3][2]
- Chevalier of the Ordre des Palmes académiques (2020).[3]
- Listed among "Lebanese women pioneers" by the National Initiative of the Centenary of Greater Lebanon.[3]
References
- ^ a b "Here's The Official List Of The New Ministers of Lebanon". The961. 8 February 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ a b "Dr. Tamara Elzein". World Science Forum. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Tamara ELZEIN, Ph.D. – Curriculum Vitae" (PDF). UNESCO. November 2023. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Dr. Tamara Elzein: A Trailblazer for Women in Science, now leading Lebanon's Environmental Future". L’Oréal–UNESCO For Women in Science Community. 25 February 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Tamara Elzein". ResearchGate. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Tamara Elzein – Women in Leadership (IWD Interview)". Gender STI. 8 March 2021. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ AL-Monitor (12 February 2025). "Meet the 5 women in Lebanon's new government". Al-Monitor. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Reforms, digital transformation: Tamara Elzein reviews Environment Ministry's progress". L’Orient-Le Jour. 31 July 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.
- ^ "Al-Zein says Barrack paper 'scary', govt. to discuss army plan on Sep 2". Naharnet. 14 August 2025. Retrieved 14 August 2025.