Abstract

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences – Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI) is a pan-African network of centres of excellence for postgraduate training, research and outreach in mathematical sciences. The AIMS -NEI vision is to lead the transformation of Africa through innovative scientific training, technical advances and breakthrough discoveries which benefit the whole of society. Its mission 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.

AIMS was founded in 2003 by South African researcher Neil Turok, when he was Chair of Mathematical Physics at the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics (DAMTP) at the University of Cambridge. AIMS -NEI has produced over 740 African graduates, about one third of whom are women. The Next Einstein Initiative (NEI) seeks to unlock and nurture scientific and technical talent across Africa. This talent of young scientists, equipped with strong mathematical and scientific skills, can then make a lasting contribution to the economic growth, and socio-political integration of the African continent. AIMS -NEI is a core program of AIMS and specifically involves the establishment and operation of a coordinated network of fifteen centres of excellence across Africa by 2023. There are currently four fully operational centres; AIMS -South Africa, AIMS -Ghana, AIMS -Senegal, AIMS -Cameroon and AIMS Tanzania is due to open in October 2014.

Mathematical science is foundational to modern technology and its diverse applications. From the internet, communication and financial systems, epidemiology, climate change, agriculture, mathematics and mathematical modelling form the invisible backbone of modern society. Africa urgently needs its own capacity in mathematical science capable of facilitating its development. AIMS -NEI provides a unique platform to spread mathematical sciences skills through building partnerships internationally, high quality teaching, research and outreach activities which all serve to address Africa’s developmental issues.