Photographs - Will the next Einstein be from Africa?

OTTAWA, Nov. 7, 2013 /CNW/ - Could the next Einstein come from Africa? The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is betting on it.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, joined Neil Turok, founder of AIMS-NEI and Director of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Thierry Zomahoun, Executive Director of AIMS Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI), and Jean Lebel, President of Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), as they celebrated the 10th anniversary of AIMS. They were joined by AIMS alumni from Cameroun, Nigeria, Swaziland, and Malawi, young brilliant scientists who seek to make their mark on Africa's future.

AIMS-NEI seeks to nurture scientific and technical talent across Africa. AIMS centres in South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, and Cameroon are already providing rigorous mathematical science training for postgraduate students from across Africa. The ultimate goal: a pan-African network of 15 AIMS centres by 2021, thereby building a critical mass of highly skilled mathematical science postgraduates capable of making a major contribution to Africa's growth. IDRC implements Canada's $20 million contribution to expand the AIMS network.

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.

These photographs are available for posting and publication free of charge. Please credit the International Development Research Centre (IDRC)/Greg Teckles.

Image with caption: "In the photograph (left to right): Martial Loth Ndeffo Mbah, AIMS graduate; Marvellous Onuma-Kalu, AIMS graduate; Nosiphiwo Zwane, AIMS graduate; Thierry Zomahoun, Executive Director, AIMS-NEI; Denis Desautels, Chair of IDRC's Board of Governors; His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada; Neil Turok, founder of AIMS-NEI and Director of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics; Jean Lebel, President, IDRC; Felix Oghenekohwo, AIMS graduate; Richard Junganiko Munthali, AIMS graduate; Adele Newton, AIMS-NEI. (CNW Group/International Development Research Centre)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131107_C5361_PHOTO_EN_33113.jpg

SOURCE: International Development Research Centre

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

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