Dr Gabi Schneider
Dr Schneider graduated in 1980 with a Master of Science in Economic Geology from the University of Frankfurt, where she also obtained her PhD in 1984. She joined the Geological Survey of Namibia in 1985 as a Senior Geologist and served the institution as Director from 1996 to 2016. Currently, she is the Executive Director of the Namibian Uranium Institute.
Her professional experience covers economic and exploration geology, mineralogy and geochemistry as well as management and administration. She is an honorary life member of the Geological Society of Namibia, and is a registered Scientist with the South Africa Council for Natural Scientists.
Dr Schneider is the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Namibian Institute for Mining and Technology; a member of the Sustainable Development Council of Namibia; a member of the Commission for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention in Namibia, chairing its Technical Subcommittee; a member of the board of the Namibian Energy Institutel a Senior Advisor for UNESCO's Geopart Programme; and a founding member of the Small Miners Association of Namibia. During her tenure as Director of the Namibian Geological Survey she served as President of the Organisation of African Geological Surveys (2013-2016); Vice Chairperson of the Environmental Investment fund of Namibia; Director of the Minerals Development Fund of Namibia; member of the Benguela Current Commission; and as member of the Scientific Committee of the National Heritage Council of Namibia.
Dr Schneider was a member of the Local Organising Committee of the 35th IGC, and also served on the scientific programme committee. She is chairing the Geology Advisory Board of the University of Namibia, and has been an external examiner of the University of St. Andrews, the University of Frankfurt, the University of the Witwatersrand and the University of South Africa.