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Towards an Innovative and Sustainable Approach to Development Annual Report June 2012 - June 2013

EXCELLENCE • RESPECT • PAN-AFRICANISM • INTEGRITY !AIMS NEI 2012-2013 AR 2014-09-16 9:46 AM Page 2

Contents

3 Message from the Chairman 4 Message from the Executive Director 6 2013 in Review • AIMS-NEI Vision, Mission, Values 8 Growth of the Network • Training • Future Centres • Research • Advancement 12 AIMS Centre Highlights • AIMS-Ghana • AIMS-Sénégal • AIMS-South Africa 16 Alumni • Statistics • Alumni Profiles • Global Alumni Reunion • Alumni Association 20 New Initiatives • Call to Action • AIMS Industry Initiative 21 AIMS in the Media 22 AIMS-NEI Staff 22 AIMS-NEI Board of Directors 23 List of Partners

The reporting period for this report is June 2012 to June 2013.

The work of AIMS-NEI as reported here was carried out with financial support from the UK Government's Department for International Development (DFID) and Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC). !AIMS NEI 2012-2013 AR 2014-09-16 9:46 AM Page 3

Message from the Chairman Inspired by Our Students In 2008, when we launched AIMS Next Einstein Initiative, it seemed a distant dream. It captured our core belief: that a vast untapped pool of scientific and technical talent lies waiting to be discovered in Africa. With the early success of the first AIMS centre in South Africa, we believed we had a proven a model for how to unlock this talent: by gathering together the brightest African graduates and bringing the best lecturers in the world to teach them, we could create a transformation in Africa’s prospects for science, technology, and development.

followed by AIMS-Ghana (2012) high quality. Those have been and AIMS-Cameroon which the guiding principles of the should open later in the year. original AIMS centre in Cape Thierry assembled a Town, as well as in the growth professional staff, establishing of the network.

“Everything we do is inspired by our marvellous students. Most have “ overcome huge obstacles to pursue their education and their passion for science. They give everything to their studies and they go on to become examples of what young Africans can do. They are ambassadors; they are role models; they are the future.”

effective financial systems, Everything we do is building relationships across the inspired by our marvellous network, and laying the ground students. Most have overcome for this unique continent-wide huge obstacles to pursue their institution. He and his team education and their passion for REATING A and managerial ability. They had have raised AIMS’ profile science. They give everything to CpanAfrican network of to be able to interact with among African leaders and their studies and they go on to scientific centres of excellence is academics and scientists from all consolidated major funding become examples of what more easily said than done. In over the world, and above all, to commitments with the young Africans can do. They are 2008, we were a long way from inspire everybody they met to Canadian government, the UK ambassadors; they are role realizing this vision. What we contribute to our common government, and the Humboldt models; they are the future. did know was that it would cause. Foundation in Germany, among We hope and believe that by require exceptional leadership, Thierry Zomahoun others. Just as significant, they creating the conditions in which committed staff, and an brought all these qualities to have secured funding large numbers of young African unequalled pioneering spirit. AIMS, and much more. He has agreements with every host people can become scientists, One of our highest been a dynamo driving the country, making them true technologists and, more priorities was to recruit an pan-African AIMS network partners in carrying AIMS’ generally, highly skilled people, Executive Director. That person ever since. vision forward. the spinoff from our search for needed to understand the Thierry and his team's AIMS has many unique the next Einstein may be just as African landscape well – both its achievements have been little features, summarized in our significant as the goal itself. positive and negative features. short of remarkable. New motto, which is that we want They needed formidable centres have opened in short Africa to be: RICH – relevant, Sincerely, intelligence, foresight, energy, order: AIMS-Sénégal (2011), innovative, cost-effective, and Professor Neil Turok

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Message from the Executive Director A Dream of Transformation AIMS began as a dream, a vision that scientific and mathematical prowess would transform the African landscape and aid in its sustainable development. At AIMS, we believe this dream has become a reality. To date, we have trained over 560 students from 38 African countries, and have moved beyond a single centre to a network of pan-African centres in Ghana, Sénégal and South Africa with plans for further expansion.

Reunion include A Call to Action which urges officials to invest in Mathematical Sciences education, and the creation of The Next Einstein Forum, a global forum celebrating HIS YEAR, in our country to build the science in Africa and Tthe AIMS qualification has capacity of our scientific highlighting the essential role transformed from a Postgraduate community. This mark of trust that science plays in human Diploma to a fully accredited by a prestigious knowledge development. Master’s Degree. Our research institution should not only I am pleased to report that centres are flourishing  consolidate our own trust in the media and the global attracting highly qualified staff ourselves, but also spur our community at large have begun and visitors to study socially youth to choose studies in the to catch on to the AIMS relevant topics each year. AIMS scientific and technical fields in scientific revolution, and has begun Career Development initiatives including The AIMS Industry Initiative, which was “This year AIMS hosted our first ever launched this year and seeks to “ Global Alumni Reunion, which engage industry across the scope marked the 10-year anniversary of of AIMS network activities. AIMS, and brought together leading AIMS has also begun offering online courses, to connect the industry and academic leaders with knowledge at AIMS with the our accomplished alumni.” broader community and learners across the globe. As AIMS continues to which they are naturally gifted.” incorporate it into their own contribute to African This year AIMS hosted our coverage. For example, in development, African first ever Global Alumni March, AIMS was represented governments are coming on Reunion, which marked the at the BBC Africa Science board to support AIMS 10-year anniversary of AIMS, Festival in Uganda, and our initiatives in their countries. We and brought together leaders Alumni have been highlighted in have seen tremendous support from industry and academia print media around the world. in South Africa, Sénégal and with our accomplished alumni. Of course, none of our Ghana, and now we turn our We were deeply honoured to achievements would be possible sights towards Cameroon, who have many notable guests and without the continued support have already pledged to open an speakers at the event, including of our generous partners and AIMS Centre in their country. Her Excellency Naledi Pandor, supporters. On behalf of all President Paul Biya of South African Minister of AIMS staff, students and Cameroon acknowledged the Home Affairs, an exceptional Alumni, let me express our key role that AIMS plays, and female public figure and heartfelt gratitude. stated in his Youth Day speech longtime supporter of AIMS. that “…AIMS is planning to Concrete and immediate results Sincerely, establish a Centre of Excellence from the Global Alumni Thierry Zomahoun

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2013 in Review Exceeding all Expectations This year AIMS celebrated its 10 year anniversary and it is fair to say that AIMS has far exceeded the expectations and dreams of its founding group and supporters. To recognise the importance of this milestone, the first ever Global Alumni Reunion was held and AIMS launched a book on its history titled AIMS: the first decade. Other notable achievements for the year included over 100 students graduating, planning for a future centre in Cameroon, online courses and the launch of the AIMS Industry Initiative.

Additional Partners

Integration of Career AIMS Centres graduated Development Programmes 109 students with a Master’s in Mathematical Sciences AIMS Global Alumni Reunion

Government buy-in to open future AIMS Centres: AIMS-Cameroon AIMS and its Schools Enrichment Online Courses at Centre AIMS-South Africa (AIMSSEC) celebrated 10 years of existence

Research projects related to industry

AIMS Centres offering consulting

services to industry

students and alumni and students

training/funding for training/funding Business start-up start-up Business Creation of the Industry involvement Jobs and Internships in curriculum for students Launch of The AIMS Next Einstein and alumni development/delivery Industry Initiative Forum

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AIMS-NEI Vision, Mission, Values The first African Institute for innovative pan-African centres Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) for post-graduate training, centre was established in 2003, research and educational in Cape Town, South Africa. outreach. The second AIMS Following the success of this centre was then opened in centre, the African Institute for Sénégal in 2011 and the third in Mathematical Sciences – Next Ghana in 2012. A fourth Centre Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI) is slated to open in Cameroon was established, thanks to the in October, 2013. AIMS-NEI generous support of the plans to build a network of 15 Canadian government through Centres of Excellence across the International Development the continent by 2023, thereby Research Centre (IDRC). making a major contribution to AIMS-NEI seeks to the growth of scientific and develop AIMS as a network of technical capacity in Africa.

The Vision of AIMS-NEI is to lead the transformation of Africa through innovative scientific training, technical advances and breakthrough discoveries which benefit the whole of society.

The Mission of AIMS-NEI is to enable Africa’s brightest students to flourish as independent thinkers, problem solvers and innovators capable of propelling Africa’s future scientific, educational and economic self-sufficiency.

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Growth of the Network

allowing students to go through the process of taking an idea, developing the concept and Advancing Maths pitching it to a group of investors. To complement this, company site visits are across Africa organised to expose students to the opportunities available to There has been extensive growth across the network including the incorporation of a them in industry, and an Careers Development programme, hosting of selected online courses, planning for internship programme has been implemented. future centres, building research capacity through amongst others the Research in AIMS also offers courses Africa project, the establishment of an Advancement Task Force and the consolidation towards a BSc Honours in and expansion of funding with existing and new partners. Mathematics with a focus in Biomathematics. There is also a BSc Honours in Mathematical Finance available. These courses are hosted by AIMS-South Africa in conjunction with Training AIMS recruits students from all “There are kids who are talented and over Africa for a postgraduate clever to build this continent but they programme taught by “ don’t have the chance or the outstanding international lecturers within an exceptional opportunity and all of that talent is 24-hour learning environment. wasted. And that stuck with me, and AIMS’ curriculum focuses on lead me to open AIMS.” advanced, broadly applicable Neil Turok, AIMS Founder mathematical skills relevant to Africa’s development needs. Each AIMS Centre operates as final phase, the project research Stellenbosch University’s (SU) “AIMS is a bridge a partnership between African phase, is where students write Honours in Mathematics. between our and international universities, research essays on topics Students spend the first half of “ combining local ownership proposed by local and the year at AIMS and the specific family with international oversight international academics. second half of the year at SU. stories and where and involvement. Part of the AIMS Model This year AIMS offered we want to go.” The Master’s in includes Careers Online Courses, hosted by Mathematical Sciences is the Development, which has been AIMS-South Africa. This centre Charles Mberi distinctive innovative AIMS developed to ensure that has filmed selected courses and Kimpolo, DRC, Model which is now available students graduating from to made them available to a AIMS Alumni in Ghana, Sénégal and South AIMS have the skills needed to larger audience as an online Africa. This programme excel in the wide range of facility. These courses are attracts over one thousand careers which are available to taught by leading international applications from all over them, and the awareness of and local experts and are highly Africa each year. This model these opportunities to allow interactive – the students includes skills courses, review them to apply their skills in the engage with the lecturer courses and a research project. areas where they can make the throughout the class, are The skills courses focus on most impact and gain the encouraged to learn together in upgrading students’ skills in greatest fulfilment. a journey of questioning and problem-solving and Career development discovery, and the lecturers computational skills and also activities within an AIMS respond to the needs of the provide an introduction to centre are built around e-weeks class rather than to a computer programming and – an intensive week of classes pre determined syllabus. It is scientific writing. The review and workshops in business and hoped that African universities courses introduce the students entrepreneurship – where choose to use these courses to to cutting-edge topics in the experiential learning supplement and enhance their Mathematical Sciences. The opportunities are used, own postgraduate programmes.

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The Prime Minister of Cameroon, Philemon Yang with AIMS-NEI Executive Director Thierry Zomahoun and AIMS-South Africa Director, Barry Green. Official launch of AIMS-Ghana March 2013.

The Honorable Naledi Pandor, South African Minister of The AIMS Global Alumni Reunion. Home Affairs speaking at the Global Alumni Reunion.

Naser Faruqui, IDRC Director of the Professor Neil Turok speaking at Science and Innovation Program speaking The first TEDxAIMS event took place in January 2013, with the Global Alumni Reunion. at the Global Alumni Reunion. the theme: “The Future of who knows what.”

Mathematics of Planet Earth 2013 Public Lecture hosted by AIMS-South Africa. The speaker was Professor Inez Fung, University of California. Filming of AIMS lectures and talks for online courses.

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Growth of the Network

Future Centres AIMSCAMEROON “The African Institute for Discussions are at an advanced Mathematical Sciences is planning to stage between AIMS-NEI and “ establish a Centre of Excellence in our the government of Cameroon. The government is willing to do country to build the capacity of our whatever it takes to open an scientific community. This mark of AIMS centre in their country. trust by a prestigious knowledge Cameroon has a huge number institution should not only consolidate of exceptionally skilled academics and professors in the our own trust in ourselves, but also Mathematical Sciences. Beyond spur our youth to choose studies in the a simple extension of the scientific and technical fields in which network, AIMS-Cameroon they are naturally gifted.” confirms the growing interest of African governments to President Paul Biya of Cameroon consider Maths and Science as central to African development.

Research The Research Centre at Service (DAAD) are acting as “We are very AIMS believes that research is a AIMS-South Africa was also partners in the project to “ convinced of key activity for development strengthened during 2012/2013 promote networking between AIMS…It is a lively and the advancement of Maths by the following new AIMS-Sénégal and German group of people and Science across Africa. appointments: universities as well as with AIMS Research Centres are • Research Chair in other AIMS centres. and we know it is building research capacity in Observational Cosmology AIMS-Sénégal is planning much much more Africa; from financial with Multi-wavelength Data, on opening a research centre in than mathematics, mathematics to epidemiological Professor Romeel Davé, took September 2013. They have it is a big portion modelling and Big Data up his position in January scheduled a number of analysis, AIMS’ research teams 2013. activities including: of science and also seek to address relative and • Professor Johan de Villiers • The organization of a national humanities.” meaningful problems through was appointed as resident workshop on Partial Ulrike Albrecht, academic vigour. researcher in Analysis and Differential Equations presided The Humboldt The Research Centre at Approximation Theory. over by the minister of Higher AIMS-South Africa had over • Dr Lafras Uys was appointed Education and Scientific Foundation 350 visitors including as resident researcher in the Research, Professor Mary workshop and conference area of Biomathematics. Teuw Niane. participants. The visitors • Professor Martin Kuntz • Publishing of articles in programme has been made joined the Research Centre as well-known international possible by the continued an SKA Africa Visiting scientific journals. support of the South African Professor from January 2013. • Regular organization of Department of Science and scientific presentations. Technology and the National AIMS-Sénégal has appointed a • Partnership with universities Research Foundation. Visitors new research chair, Sénégalese in Sénégal both on teaching this year included Professor Humboldtian and and research. Mama Foupouagnigni from the Mathematician, Dr Mouhamed • Research visit opportunities Department of Mathematics, Moustapha Fall. The endowed for local and international University of Yaounde, chair is the core element of the researchers. Cameroon, who interacted “Humboldt Collaborative with students and academic Centre”, which is being funded staff and discussed possible over the next four years by the cooperation between German Federal Ministry of AIMS -South Africa and the Education and Research. The Cameroonian mathematics Humboldt Foundation and the community. German Academic Exchange

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Advancement achievement of the respective 2012, the UK government’s Fund. The purpose of the fund ADVANCEMENT TASK organizations’ mission and goals. Department for International is to provide financial FORCE The government of Development (DFID) and compensation for mathematical The Advancement Task Force Canada through the IDRC signed a Memorandum science departments in for the AIMS Network met in International Development of Understanding to build on Scotland which release staff for Berlin from May 22-24, 2013. Research Centre (IDRC) was existing IDRC funding to teaching or other supportive The objectives of the AIMS’ first major donor when, AIMS-NEI over the next five activities at one of the AIMS Advancement Task Force are in 2010, Prime Minister year period. Up to 25 million centres. to: raise the profile of AIMS Stephen Harper committed to GBP will be made available to During the 2012-2013 through global momentum, to support AIMS’ expansion AIMS on a matching fund basis academic year, seven visits by develop mid-to-long term across Africa. IDRC’s mandate and will contribute to the Scottish academics to the strategic partnerships, and is to support science in establishment of two additional AIMS centres in Ghana and increase and diversify funding developing countries, seeking centres, bringing the total South Africa were funded, sources through coordinated to help countries develop local, number of AIMS centres to six contributing to the training of fundraising. long-term capacity in science by the end of 2017. 85 Master’s students. Eleven The analysis of the current rather than being dependent on financial situation of the imported skills. Additionally, network helped to identify Task IDRC believes that there is a “We must never allow anyone to let Force priorities, including need for global science us believe that investing in science fundraising for approved cooperation to address shared “ is esoteric.” budget and restricted funds. In challenges, such as climate terms of growth, AIMS has an change, food insecurity, and The Honorable Naledi Pandor, South exsisting chapter in North infectious diseases, so having African Minister of Home Affairs America, and the team experts from around the world discussed the possibility of collectively work on these opening AIMS chapters in challenges is essential. Within this tri-partite applications have been received Germany, Sweden and the The initial government agreement, IDRC is providing a from lecturers for the United Kingdom. contribution facilitated the further $2 million USD 2013-2014 academic year. The ongoing support of AIMS-South contribution to build the funded visits have already led research capacity of the AIMS to new linkages between network and its graduates Scottish mathematicians and “AIMS is about quality in all respects. through the AIMS-NEI the mathematical community “ You have the best students from Africa Research in Africa Project. This in various African countries, selected solely on merit; you have research funding will support particularly in Ghana. It has Nobel Prize winners and Fields the launch of a joint also enabled Scottish AIMS-Ghana and AIMS-South universities to increase their medallists who donate their time as Africa Chair position, while visibility in Africa, with lecturers; you have really effective and also setting up a research grant postgraduate recruitment from functional facilities. So everything programme for AIMS Alumni. Ghana in mathematical about AIMS seems to mesh together Long-time AIMS sciences at Heriot-Watt supporter Bernd Schroers, University alone showing a to produce results. But at the end of Professor at the School of remarkable five-fold increase. the day it’s about the students. And Mathematical and Computer The Robert Bosch when you meet these students, it is Sciences at Heriot-Watt Stiftung is one of the major inspirational.” University in Scotland, has not German foundations which only lectured at all AIMS undertakes philanthropic and Naser Faruqui, IDRC Director of the centres but is also currently a social endeavors. The Robert Science and Innovation Program member of the AIMS-Ghana Bosch Stiftung supported Board of Directors. In 2012, AIMS with the Global Alumni Schroers established a Reunion and 10-year PARTNERSHIPS Africa, and the establishment of partnership with the Scottish Anniversary this year. AIMS As befits a unique and AIMS-Sénégal, AIMS-Ghana government in response to an and the Foundation are innovative organization, AIMS and AIMS-Cameroon, while initiative by members of the working together on a number seeks to establish unique and also providing support for the Scottish mathematical of other initiatives as well. innovative long-term establishment of the AIMS-NEI community. As a result, the partnerships that provide Secretariat as a coordinating Scottish Funding Council has effective and sustainable body to the growing Network. generously agreed to make approaches to development This partnership was funds available to set up the while contributing to the further strengthened when, in James Clerk Maxwell AIMS

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AIMS Centre Highlights Nurturing Africa’s Talent With graduates from AIMS-South Africa being joined by those from AIMS-Ghana and AIMS-Sénégal the dream of transformation is becoming a reality. Each centre has its own unique character but one common goal of building Mathematical Science capacity in Africa.

OCATED IN A (UCC), and University of mathematicians from some smallL fishing town, Biriwa, Ghana (UG) as well as West African countries and AIMSGhana was launched in international Univerities: resource persons from the UK, August 2012, and graduated 26 Durham University (UK), USA, Norway and Ghana. The students from 12 countries Karlstad University (Sweden) Light Year Foundation also held across the continent, including 8 and Nanyang University a workshop on Solar Panels women, with a Master’s in (Singapore). with the students at Mathematical Sciences this year. AIMS-Ghana partnered AIMS-Ghana. In its first year, with the Institute for AIMS-Ghana’s students AIMS-Ghana formed Mathematical Sciences, Ghana, have been involved in outreach partnerships with local to organise the 15th Abdul activities to enhance public universities: Kwame Nkrumah Salam/Edward Bouchet awareness of the wonder and University of Science and Workshop Modelling, importance of mathematics Technology (KNUST), Simulation and Optimization. and science. This outreach University of Cape Coast The workshop included young supports the work of high school teachers and needs of young learners – especially those from disadvantaged communities and women. "I had many remarkable experiences at AIMS. The professors who taught us were AIMS-Ghana students have been visiting Biriwa Junior truly amazing. They are leading researchers in Mathematical Sciences and there High School to help the were no boundaries between them and us [the students], which was very teachers with the teaching of impressive. AIMS brought together brilliant minds across the continent under the mathematics, often times with same roof. It was a beautiful experience to learn from different cultures and also some of the visiting lecturers. share ideas with very bright students. The facilities we had at AIMS, makes learning mathematics fun. I have always been faced with the choice of making good grades or understanding the courses during my undergraduate studies. In AIMS, there is only one choice and it is to understand and do research. There is no doubt that AIMS has inspired my life and led me to where I am today. It was a privilege to be part of AIMS." Seth Kurankyi Asante, AIMS Graduate from Ghana

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AIMS-South Africa 2012-2013 Cohort Graduation Ceremony.

AIMS-Ghana 2012-2013 Cohort Graduation Ceremony with Professor AIMS-Sénégal 2012-2013 Cohort Graduation Ceremony with Professor Mamadou Sanghare. Francis Allotey and the Canadian High Commissioner, Trudy Kernighan.

Naser Faruqui of Canada's International Development Research Centre addressing the audience at the opening of AIMS-Ghana with Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr AIMS-South Africa 2012 Cohort Recognition of Achievement Ceremony. Joseph Oteng-Adjei and Minster of Education, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman.

German Foreign Minister, Dr Guido Westerwelle, accompanied by a delegation Mary Teuw Niane, Minister of Higher Education and Fallou Sylla, of about 40 people including business representatives, government officials Mayor of Mbour meet Centre Director, Professor Mamadou Sanghare and the media, visited AIMS-South Africa in April 2013. and students at AIMS-Sénégal.

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AIMS Centre Highlights

OCATED IN national scientific workshop on with the Ecole Normale Sénégal) to conduct joint LMbour, AIMSSénégal was Partial Differential Equations. Superieure (the Sénégalese activities for the promotion of launched in September 2011, This workshop attracted a group teacher training school) a Mathematical Sciences in the and graduated 34 students from of approximately 20 researchers teaching module was country. AIMS-Sénégal has also 16 African countries with a from different parts of Sénégal developed that introduces partnered with local businesses Master’s Degree in Mathematical and was presided over by the Secondary School Maths to set up fundraising initiatives Sciences this year, including five Minister of Higher Education teachers to a new way of for the creation of a national women. Additionally, the and Research. teaching mathematics. The contest on computer AIMSSénégal PhD programme Through various activities objective of this module is to applications and mathematical was successfully launched with AIMS-Sénégal has reached out equip teachers with new and modeling, centered on finding two students: one from to the community to promote innovative teaching methods development-oriented Cameroon and one from the role of mathematics in capable of increasing students’ solutions for relevant social Sénégal. science, technology and interest in mathematics. problems. This year, the centre development. The centre AIMS-Sénégal has AIMS-Sénégal also awarded a Chair of organised information and explored various local coordinated university visits in Mathematics and its sensitising visits to visits to partnerships. The centre the Gambia and Mauritania in Applications to Dr Mouhamed universities in Sénégal and started discussions with the order to attract students from Fall, a top Sénégalese researcher. neighbouring countries, Sénégalese National Academy these countries to the The major scientific event particularly targeting women for Sciences (Academie programmes at AIMS. organised by Dr Fall was a audiences. In collaboration Nationale des Sciences du

"AIMS put me in contact with the mathematics authorities of the world, scholars and scientists. I have particularly been impressed by Professor Augustin BANYAGA (Rwandese-American) from Pennsylvania State University who came as a visiting professor. Meeting him was very enriching. It taught me that an African, born in Africa, went to secondary school in Africa is today one of the best scientists in the world, contributing to the influence of mathematics in the world. He is proof that science transcends race." Crispin Mbulanga, AIMS student from Burundi

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OCATED IN are attended by members of the teachers to teach up to an and to support similar LMuizenberg, Cape Town, public and AIMS students. internationally equivalent programmes based in AIMSSouth Africa was AIMS-South Africa university entrance standard; AIMS-Sénégal and launched in August 2003, and launched the AIMS Schools inspire teachers to learn more AIMS-Ghana. graduated 49 students with a Enrichment Centre (AIMSSEC) university-level mathematics AIMS-South Africa Master’s in Mathematical in 2003, which has offered relevant for school teaching; continues to receive generous Sciences this year, including 17 professional development develop their teaching skills support from the South African women. AIMSSouth Africa also programmes to more than 1000 and; to help them foster Departments of Higher celebrated its 10th anniversary teachers from rural South learners’ skills. In May 2013, Education and Training, and this year, and has graduated 470 African schools and is AIMSSEC was invited to form Science and Technology. In students over the past decade. recognised for the impact it is part of a European May 2013 the National Skills In 2013, AIMSSouth making. As AIMS-South Commission FP7 Science in Fund of the Department of Africa converted the AIMS Africa’s Outreach Programme, Society consortium to do Higher Education and Training Postgraduate Diploma to a AIMSSEC also offers free research with eight European approved a substantial grant to structured coursework Master’s learning resources for learners Universities. AIMSSouth Africa for its Degree in the Mathematical from five to 18+ years. AIMSSEC plans to expand Schools Enrichment Centre Sciences. While maintaining In January 2013, distribution of free interactive and for bursaries for South the unique innovative character AIMSSEC started a new course resources to promote African students following the of the programme, this positive – the AIMING Higher “Maths activity- based learning to Master’s programme. change will give greater with Wings.” The course support the South African recognition and value to the objectives are: to enable school mathematics curriculum courses offered. Additionally, to better adapt to varying academic schedules, AIMSSouth Africa now has two intakes each year: one in August more suited to the academic calendar outside South Africa, and one in “What AIMS is doing is an amazing thing, clever students from January, that accommodates disadvantaged backgrounds are helped to reach their dreams and South African students. give back to their families in one way or the other. I never really To date, one 154 quite knew the extent to which AIMS has reached until I academics have offered courses saw the AIMS alumni that were present at the recently at AIMS-South Africa and the concluded Global Alumni Reunion. I would therefore like young Research Centre has to encourage all alumni to help someone out there to attracted over 500 visiting reach his/her dream in the spirit of AIMS and to let scientists. AIMSSouth Africa everyone out there know what AIMS is doing and also also hosts public lectures which help raise funds for future AIMS students.” Eniola Fumilayo Kazeem, AIMS Graduate from Nigeria

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AIMS Alumni Creating a Network for the Future AIMS continues to invest in supporting the growing Alumni network, in order to monitor and support their career progress, and to engage with them for the promotion of Mathematical Sciences and the advancement of the overall AIMS network.

KEY METRIC DATA GENDER BREAKDOWN

Total number of Alumni (including Class of 2013) 560 from 38 countries 172 women # of PhD degrees completed/in process* 55/149 10 women/35 women Number of Master’s degrees completed/in process* 233/99 68 women/36 women % of Alumni in Africa* 61% 30% of Alumni in Africa are women % of Alumni currently employed (in industry, in academia)* 34% (10%, 24%) 31% of working Alumni are women % of Alumni currently studying* 56% 29% of Alumni studying are women Number of Alumni currently teaching globally* 83 33% women % of Alumni employed or studying within 6 months of graduation 88% 30% of Alumni employed/studying are women *Based on data updated in November 2012 Alumni Profiles “The knowledge we learned at AIMS AIMS Alumni are doing great does not end at solving theoretical things and changing the “ landscape of Africa through problems, but solving real problems their groundbreaking research that our communities are facing. In and initiatives across the globe. order to do this, we need data, it helps The following alumni presented their work at the AIMS Global us to reveal even the hidden problems Alumni Reunion, and personify that are facing our communities.” the change that AIMS is Angelina M Lutambi, Alumna making in the world.

“When I first heard about the Next Einstein Initiative, I was intrigued by the idea that there existed an institute in Africa that, from my perspective, promoted genuine creativity and vision and that is what attracted me the most to AIMS. During my stay at AIMS I met a lot of people from different corners of the planet and got an idea of what it means to be an academic, particularly the attitude required to be a leading mathematician or physicist. My time at AIMS helped me become a more focused thinker in almost every faculty of my life. The knowledge I acquired only made me hungrier for more knowledge and it’s for this very reason, I believe, I may be able to solve problems and in general do great things with my life. I will continue my studies in South Africa and hope that someday I’ll inspire young people to have the vision I was given at AIMS.” Mark Shawa, Zimbabwe, 2013 graduate

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Egypt 1

Chad Senegal 2 1

Sudan Nigeria 13 Ghana 4 Ethiopia 4 8 Where AIMS Cameroon Alumni are 3 Uganda Kenya teaching in Africa 2 As of June 30th, 2013 – 81 2 AIMS-Alumni, (including Rem. Rep. Rwanda 26 women) are teaching across of Congo 1 Africa. Countries and numbers 1 Tanzania of alumni are listed at right. 7 Burundi 2

Malawi Zambia 3 “Every single AIMS alumnus is a 5 pioneer. You represent so much. “ Zimbabwe You are bringing one hundred, 1 Namibia one thousand, and one million 1 young people towards education, enlightenment, and elevation in Africa.” Professor Neil Turok, AIMS Founder South Africa Lesotho 17 3

Angelina M. Lutambi, from a family of nine children in rural Tanzania, is a 2004 AIMS graduate. She holds a Master’s Degree from Stellenbosch University investigating the properties of models of the spread of HIV/AIDS. She returned to Tanzania in 2007, and now works as a research scientist for the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania. She is also a doctoral student at the Swiss Tropical Institute, Basel. At the Global Alumni Reunion, she spoke about how data can be used to help combat Malaria. “AIMS has been training us to be problem solvers, and we are trying our best to apply the skills that we have acquired at AIMS to solve the problems that our countries are facing,” she said. “The knowledge we learned at AIMS does not end at solving theoretical problems, but solving real problems that our communities are facing. In order to do this, we need data, it helps us to reveal even the hidden problems that are facing our communities.” Angelina M Lutambi, Tanzania, 2004 graduate

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AIMS Alumni

AIMS Global Alumni Reunion From June 27 - 29, 2013, AIMS Prosper Ngabonziza, from Rwanda, is an AIMS 2010 graduate. After AIMS, held their first ever Global Prosper received a Master’s in Experimental Physics from the University of Alumni Reunion, titled Johannesburg, South Africa. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD. in “Transforming Africa Through Nanotechnology at the MESA+ institute for nanotechnology of the University Knowledge-Based Enterprise”, in of Twente, Netherlands. He is also working for FOM (Stichting voor Cape Town, South Africa. This Fundamenteel Onderzoek der Materie), which is the Netherlands event brought together 220 governmental organization that supports physics related research. participants from 43 countries His research focuses on investigation of Topological Insulator comprising leaders in Materials. At the Global Alumni Reunion, he presented his research education, research institutes, on nanotechnology. governments, the scientific community, civil-society Prosper Ngabonziza, Rwanda, 2010 graduate organizations and AIMS alumni. 125 AIMS alumni were present, and represented over 30 countries, from all graduating classes since 2003, and all AIMS centres – Ghana, The Happy Feet Dance Troupe Sénégal and South Africa. This “kick-off” the AIMS Global Alumni Reunion with a South African event linked current and future Gumboot Dance. leaders in development and the mathematical sciences to address how Mathematical Sciences education can transform the African Continent. AIMS was honoured to host so many incredible speakers and panelists. Among noted guests were, Professor Ben Turok who gave a keynote address and the Honorable Naledi Pandor, South African Minister of Home Affairs.

“We are a part of the world where many pioneers come to begin things, but it is rare that institutions survive. “ We struggle, as South Africa, to overcome the legacy of poor or limited Science and Maths teaching in our country, and AIMS has forged ahead and made us all proud.” Minister Naledi Pando

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The Next Einstein Forum (NEF) The Next Einstein Forum WHO WILL ATTEND? (NEF) is an international • 500 outstanding thinkers institution for science and its • 50% from Africa, 50% from applications to human the rest of the world development, hosted by Africa. • 50% senior experts, 50% stars To be held once every two of tomorrow years in Africa, NEF Global • Representatives of the Gatherings will bring scientific, technology, outstanding thinkers in the industry and policy science, technology, industry communities and policy communities • At least a third women together from across Africa and around the world, connecting Confirmed attendees include them with Africa’s next Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, the generation of science and 345th Vice Chancellor of technology stars. Cambridge University, and the The first historic, Honorable Aicha Bah Diallo, high-profile gathering of over global champion of girls’ 500 people will take place in education as well as five Nobel 2015 and will be looked to as Laureates. the moment Africa joined the international stage in science. AIMS Alumni “Thank you for the risk you took Association “ 10 years ago to give us an opportunity At the end of the AIMS Global to make our dreams come true. Over Alumni Reunion, the alumni the last three days we have been announced their commitment to the AIMS vision, through challenged and moved. People say the formation of the AIMS Africans are one mile long in Alumni Association and its enthusiasm, and one inch deep in Steering Committee. The commitment. But these Africans are purpose of this association is to continue the cross-cultural not in this room.” and knowledge exchange AIMS Alumni among alumni after their time in AIMS’ programmes.

“I came to AIMS for two reasons. The first is that I wanted to do Mathematics of Finance but not at the honours level since I already had an honours degree. The second was that AIMS offered a range of courses across mathematical sciences which I had been meaning to study. The scholarship package allowed me to achieve both these things. Being in a different city and working with students from all over Africa and lecturers from all over the world was just the cherry on top. The main goal was to study Mathematical Finance so I could better develop financial software. AIMS helped me a lot in that it provided me with the opportunity to work with Professor Jeff Sanders (a theoretical computer scientist) and Professor Raouf Ghomrasni (a financial mathematician) who gave me my first exposure to working with financial formulae and computer algorithms.” Musa Kurhula Baloyi, South Africa, 2012 graduate

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New Initiatives Investing in Future Generations In order for Africa to compete in the global economy it is imperative that leaders form Africa and the rest of the world and industry invest in training Africa’s youth in science, engineering and mathematics so that future generations can create “homegrown” solutions to Africa’s development challenges.

Thierry Zomahoun and the AIMS Team announce the "Call to Action" and The Next Einstein Forum, at the conclusion of the AIMS Global Alumni Reunion, in June 2013.

The AIMS Industry Initiative The AIMS Industry Initiative maximise the opportunities and has been launched to engage potential for the Mathematical industry across the scope of Sciences to contribute to AIMS network activities, from Africa’s economy through industry visitors talking to human capital, knowledge students about career transfer and applied research. AIMS Call to opportunities, to research So far the AIMS Industry Action collaborations broadening the Initiative has launched an AIMS announced a Call to universal primary education, scope of centre research internship programme which Action in June 2013 to elevate but many of today’s economic activities; there are a wide has allowed five AIMS the status of Mathematical powerhouses built their range of opportunities for the graduates to undergo a six Sciences education in Africa. economies through advanced AIMS Network and industry. month internship experience AIMS and its supporters are skills and training in science, In collaboration with with employers from across asking entities such as the technology, engineering and industry partners, the AIMS the world, including African Development Bank, the mathematics (STEM). In order Industry Initiative seeks to CommuniTech in Canada. African Union and the United for Africa to compete in the Nations, as well as government global economy it is imperative officials and leaders in the that African and world leaders international development invest in STEM education for Research projects community, to step up to the Africa’s youth. related to industry plate and recognize the key role Some key “asks” of the that education in Maths and Call include: to advocate and AIMS Centres Science play in Africa’s commit resources for scientific offering consulting development. training as the foundation for services to industry Traditional approaches to innovation and “homegrown” development have focused solutions to Africa’s predominantly on basic needs, development challenges; to such as eradicating poverty, advocate for the inclusion of disease and environmental STEM training in the RIO+20 degradation. When the issue of Sustainable Development

education is addressed, it is Goals; and to help AIMS create students and alumni and students training/funding for training/funding

only at a primary level, and a high-level global forum start-up Business excludes secondary or tertiary showcasing Africa’s scientific Industry involvement Jobs and Internships for students education. For instance, The and technical talent, The Next in curriculum and alumni United Nations’ Millennium Einstein Forum. development/delivery Development Goals call for

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AIMS in the Media

Searching For AIMS Making Einsteins: News Worldwide Africa at In 2013, AIMS recognized communications as a key factor in terms of the brand’s Cutting Edge of overall success. The AIMS Secretariat drafted a Communications Strategy in order to Scientific, Tech better situate AIMS, its partners, and the Mathematical Sciences, in the public arena. Advancement As the AIMS network is expanding and interest in the AIMS model is growing rapidly, EXCERPT: Most people’s lists of it is essential that AIMS harnesses all the tools available to ensure the vision and critical priorities for Africa would success of AIMS reaches a worldwide audience. feature safe water sources, primary healthcare, basic education and jobs. How about Ivy-league tuition in quantum theory and mathematical physics? Not so much? In fact, a project is now being rolled out across the continent in the belief that it’s INCE THE external media. For example, in been featured and applauded precisely those arcane things that drafting of this strategy, AIMS March, AIMS was represented for bringing change to Africa, S are needed to jump-start Africa’s has had success with at the BBC Africa Science and young Africans. Overall, development. Called the “Next communications and the work Festival in Uganda. AIMS the media have begun to Einstein Initiative” (NEI), of AIMS has been broadcast Alumni have been highlighted catch on to the AIMS handsomely funded centers for across the global platform. Over in various publications  scientific revolution, and postgraduate math and physics the past year, AIMS has been sharing their research and their incorporate it into their training – featuring sometimes featured in various forms of experiences. AIMS centres have coverage. Nobel Prize-level lecturers – have been launched in Ghana, South Africa and Sénégal. A fourth center Institute Aims to is due to open in Cameroon. Find ‘African Einstein’ By Nontando Mposo, iol SciTech. February 8, 2013 EXCERPT: The search is on for the next scientific genius. The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Muizenberg, CAMEROON: which finds and then trains top scientists and mathematicians from across Africa, has a new programme to nurture scientific Maths Institute to Go and technical talent. Operational In Cameroon EXCERPT: Executive Director/Head of the Secretariat of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences-Next Einstein Initiative Secretariat (AIMS-NEI Secretariat), Thierry Zomahoun What if Africa were told reporters after an audience with the Minister Delegate at the Ministry of External Relations in charge of Relations with the to Become the Hub for Commonwealth, Joseph Dion Ngute that "If all goes well, I guess Global Science? by September or October this year, we should be celebrating the opening of AIMS-Cameroon." His visit to Cameroon was EXCERPT: And from the African Institute of basically to lobby for the putting in place of the institution in Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), itself an institute Cameroon. On July 12, 2013, words started being translated into with strong links to the global physics community, action with the Minister of External Relations, Prof. Pierre there is the Next Einstein Initiative.This is currently Moukoko Mbonjo on behalf of the government of Cameroon setting up centres of excellence in Africa for the signing an agreement with Thierry Zomahoun on the mathematical sciences, and is connected to some of establishment arrangement of AIMS-Cameroon. the most forward-thinking academics in the fields of maths and physics across the continent, as well as in Canada, the UK and the US.

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AIMS-NEI Staff

Thierry Elizabeth Mireille Sarah Zomahoun Leticia Mithi Massouka Bih Jackson Executive Administrative Director, Director, Director, Officer Partnerships AIMS AIMS-NEI and Outreach Industry Initiative

Irene Julie Staples Abass Abdul Michael Tamajong Director Karim Kateregga Executive Organisational Director of Student and Support Officer Learning and Finance Alumni Affairs Oversight Coordinator

Natasha Daniel Adipo Blaise Maurice Van Rooyen Monitoring, Kabongo Ndashimye Information Evaluation and Finance Officer Student and Management Learning Manager Alumni Affairs Specialist Coordinator

AIMS-NEI Board of Directors

Professor Professor Professor Neil Turok Barry Green Fernando Chair Quevedo

Professor Dr Howard Professor Keith Moffatt Alper Mamadou Sanghare

Professor Professor Mr Russel Francis Mohammed Botman Allotey Gharbi

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Partners Design: gbc-design.com Design:

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3Total Number of Centres

560Total number of Alumni (over 30% women)

38African countries represented by students

AIMS Next Einstein Initiative ABSA on Grove, 3rd Floor 11 Grove Avenue, Claremont Cape Town 7708 South Africa

Tel: +27 (0)21 671 4262 Email: [email protected]

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EXCELLENCE • RESPECT • PAN-AFRICANISM • INTEGRITY