Media advisory - Will the next Einstein be from Africa?

OTTAWA, Nov. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - Could the next Einstein come from Africa? The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is betting on it. At a special presentation held in Ottawa by Canada's International Development Research Centre in collaboration with the AIMS Next Einstein Initiative, two of AIMS-NEI's champions will discuss how AIMS and mathematical sciences can lead Africa towards a brighter, more prosperous future.

When: Thursday, November 7, 2013 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Where: IDRC, 150 Kent Street (Corner of Albert), 8th floor

Physicist Neil Turok, founder of AIMS-NEI and Director of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics; Thierry Zomahoun, Executive Director of AIMS-NEI; and a selection of recent AIMS-NEI alumni will engage in a panel discussion to be moderated by Paul Wells, Senior Columnist for Maclean's magazine.

Mathematical Sciences are the backbone of modern society. From satellites and smartphones to finance and health research, mathematical sciences are involved in nearly every facet of our lives. Celebrating its 10^th anniversary this year, AIMS is gaining momentum and recognition as a world-class institute on African soil. AIMS prides itself on finding top young African talent and providing them with a sense of responsibility, networks and inspiration to use mathematical sciences to address key African challenges in public health, the effects of climate change and food security. Through its innovative 10-month postgraduate program taught by outstanding visiting professors from around the world, AIMS is training Africa's future leaders and innovators for successful careers in education, business, research, and government.

IDRC is proud to be a part of this program as a funder. On behalf of the Government of Canada, IDRC also manages Canada's $20 million contribution, which is supporting the inaugural AIMS centre in South Africa and three additional centres in Senegal, Ghana, and Cameroon.

The event is open to the media and the lecture will be webcast live at http://idrc.canwebcast.net/live. Journalists and the public can also join in the conversation through Twitter (#AIMS).

For more information, visit www.idrc.ca or www.nexteinstein.org.

About IDRC
Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) funds practical research in developing countries to increase prosperity and security, and to foster democracy and the rule of law, in support of Canada's international development efforts. We promote growth and development and encourage sharing knowledge with policymakers, other researchers, and communities around the world. The result is innovative, lasting solutions that aim to bring change to those who need it most. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

About AIMS and the Next Einstein Initiative
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of centers of excellence for post graduate education, research and outreach in mathematical sciences. 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 and has produced over 500 graduates, about one third of whom are women. The goal of the Next Einstein Initiative is to build 15 centres of excellence across Africa by 2021. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

SOURCE: International Development Research Centre

IDRC:Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé | ([phone] | [email protected] | @IDRC_CRD

AIMS: Adele Newton | ([phone] | [email protected] |@AIMS_Next