Nadia Ghazzali is a Moroccan-born mathematician and statistician whose career spans Morocco, France, and Canada. She is widely recognised for her work in clustering, artificial neural networks, and data-driven applications, as well as her leadership in advancing women in science and engineering. Her academic path reflects the strength of her “triple background” in mathematics, statistics, and computer science.
Born and educated initially in Morocco, she later moved to the University of Rennes 1 in France, where she completed advanced degrees across all three disciplines. She continued her research at McGill University, further shaping the interdisciplinary expertise that defines her work.
Her path in education was influenced by family encouragement. Although her mother “could neither read nor write,” she believed that “it is through education that women can evolve and change society.” Her brother challenged her with mental arithmetic, while teachers guided her toward mathematics.
Over a thirty-year career, Ghazzali has focused on increasing women’s participation in science. She served as NSERC Industrial Alliance Research Chair for Women in Science and Engineering in Quebec and held leadership roles within INWES, and her statistical studies documenting women’s under-representation in STEM fields. She values recognition from peers and students, including her appearance in Les chercheuses en BD and being named among the “Moroccan women of the world with multiple talents.”
Her message to young women is direct: “Go ahead, don’t be afraid… there are many possibilities.” She urges them to support one another, be patient, and “do what you want to do.”