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The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is dedicated to advancing science and mathematics education in Africa. As a pioneer in innovative pedagogy, AIMS aims to bridge the educational gap by providing high-quality, relevant, and cost-effective training. With support from global partners and an engaged diaspora, AIMS is uniquely positioned to harness the growing demand for scientific expertise in Africa. The institute encourages international collaboration and aims to establish robust networks for knowledge sharing, research, and teaching across the continent.
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African Institute for Mathematical Sciences For Science in Africa Building a Bright Future www.aims.ac.za Presentation to the Science and Technology Portfolio Committee 25th November 2003
Maths and Science • Underpin global society • Essential to development • Provide a common language • Will set the parameters of our future
Why Now? • The New South Africa and NEPAD • Tremendous demand across Africa • Global goodwill and interest in the science community espec. diaspora • Internet and free software • A Window of Opportunity
A Beacon • An African Institute for Mathematical Sciences Founding principles: - Cost Effective - High Quality - Relevant - Innovative • Latest pedagogy – hyper-interactive • Outstanding lecturers
Philip W. Anderson (Nobel physics 1977) Joseph Taylor (Nobel physics 1997) Sir Michael Berry Stephen Hawking Sir Martin Rees Sir John Sulston (Nobel medicine 2002) Supporters • Nelson Mandela • Ben Ngubane • Rob Adam • Kader Asmal • Mosibudi Mangena • Patricia Whitelock • Sir David King • Prof. David Gross • Prof. James Gates
Funders DST Vodafone Vodacom PetroSA Gatsby Seardel Ford ICSU CUP SUN LMS Potter CCETSA USAID
Partners • Stellenbosch • UCT • UWC • Cambridge • Oxford • Orsay • Pan-African, International involvement
AIMS exists! • First intake: 30 students (85 applied) • 7 women, 9 Muslims, from 14 countries • Will build to 50 by 2005 • Students and lecturers live in • Nine-month postgraduate diploma • Special courses in high priority areas – e.g. 23 people for epidemiology next week
Future Plans • Cross-Africa Network - Internet plus satellite links - Email, Bulletin Boards - Software, teaching & research materials • Visiting Fellowships/Professorships • International Conferences • In-Service Teacher Training Courses