Dr Maneshree Jugmohan-Naidu is the Director: Biotechnology at the Department of Science and Technology. The Biotechnology and Health subprogramme of the DST directs the development and implementation of the National Bio-economy Strategy which has three main focus sectors namely the agricultural, health and the industrial applications of bio-innovation. Maneshree Jugmohan-Naidu is coordinating key strategies and programmes in agricultural biotechnology/bio-economy, including international/bilateral cooperation, and the development of an enabling and conducive environment for responsible biotechnology in South Africa.

Prior to joining the DST, Maneshree Jugmohan-Naidu worked for the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (National), the NHLS and the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine (UKZN). She has been involved in management of research including policy and governance at the national level for the past 10 years.

Maneshree Jugmohan-Naidu graduated with a PhD in Microbiology from the University of Kwazulu Natal in 2002. Her knowledge and experience extends to both the study of genetic diversity of plant pathogens as well as diagnostics in the health biotechnology sector, including in-field management of research projects, teaching and supervision, as well as aspects of quality control.

She has served on various committees including the JIPSA Agriculture Technical Working Group (the Presidency), the National Science and Technology Forum, various intergovernmental committees (including AFFSTIACO) and more recently in the OECD Working Party on Biotechnology.