L to r: Ian Hambleton (Fields Institute), Prince Osei (AIMS Quantum Leap Africa Project Leader & Perimeter Institute), David Kribs (AIMS), Huaxiong Huang (Fields Institute)
TORONTO, July 31, 2017 – The Fields and Perimeter Institutes formed a new deal with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences – Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI). It includes a renewal of the Fields-Perimeter Africa Postdoctoral Fellowship program for five more years and more opportunities for AIMS students and researchers to participate Fields programs.
Launched in 2012, the Fields-Perimeter Africa Postdoctoral Fellowships provide the opportunity for recent African PhD graduates in mathematical sciences or fundamental theoretical physics to spend one year at either of the Canadian Institutes. The goal is to support the careers of young researchers who are committed to advance science in Africa.
The program is co-administered with the AIMS-NEI, a pan-African network of centers for post-graduate training, research, and public engagement in the mathematical sciences.
“So far, our partnership has succeeded beyond any initial hopes,” said Neil Turok, Director of the Perimeter Institute. “The Fields-Perimeter Fellowship has attracted excellent candidates, distinguished not only by the quality of their science but also by their commitment to others. There is an abundance of youthful talent in Africa. Everything we can do today to hasten its development will bear great fruits for Africa and for science, in the future.”
Turok acknowledged Praise Adeyemo, a Fields-Perimeter Postdoctoral Fellow in 2016-17, who recently organized the CIMPA School in Algebraic Geometry in Nigeria, and Prince Osei, a Fields-Perimeter Postdoctoral Fellow in 2015-16, who will be moving to Rwanda next month as the project developer for Quantum Leap Africa.
In addition to the Fellowship, Fields is also supporting the AIMS-NEI ForExcellence program – a collaborative program to provide the most promising minds in Africa training and opportunities to excel in STEM disciplines.
“It is a privilege to offer opportunities for promising young Africans,” said Ian Hambleton, Director of the Fields Institute. “The fellows from the last four years have been truly superb and have shared with us, not only their scientific abilities, but also their diverse perspectives. The next five years are sure to be exciting and productive.”
About Fields
The Fields Institute is an international hub for mathematical collaboration. Every year Fields hosts over 4000 visiting researchers, post-doctoral fellows, and students from across six continents. Programs range from research seminars and public lectures to school outreach activities and start-up incubation, making mathematics accessible and engaging for all audiences. For more information, visit http://www.fields.utoronto.ca
