Canadian gov’t invests $20 million in AIMS-Next Einstein Initiative
In 2008, Neil Turok wished to unlock and nurture scientific talent across Africa, so that within our lifetimes we are celebrating an African Einstein. The TED Community rallied around Neil’s plan to create a network of 15 centers to develop the bright scientific minds of Africa by 2020. Based upon the success of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Cape Town, founded by Neil Turok, the Next Einstein Initiative was launched to develop this network.
Today, the Canadian government made a significant commitment to the initiative with an investment of $20 million CDN to support the establishment of a network of five AIMS centers across Africa by 2015.
In a special announcement at the Perimeter Institute, where Neil Turok is Director, Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper announced the new federal funding as a central element of a partnership between Universities, the private sector and African governments focused on establishing the AIMS network, including new centres in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal. Prime Minister Stephen Harper commended AIMS’ revolutionary approach and said, “History shows that our world becomes safer, healthier and more stable through advances made in science and technology. Humanity’s ascent from ignorance and barbarism to enlightenment and equality has been a fitful and uneven process. If there is, however, a universal constant in human affairs, it is that the expansion of knowledge and technology has continuously made life better for more people. That’s why our government is supporting scientific and technological research, as well as development at home and abroad.”
Also in attendance was Dr. Stephen Hawking, who visited AIMS for a special Next Einstein kickoff event two years ago. He remarked, “I was lucky to visit AIMS in South Africa, in 2008, to enjoy the remarkable atmosphere, filled with the students enthusiasm for math, science and the future of Africa. Science is a powerful unifier of people from all countries and cultures. Connecting Africans to each other and to the world through science is, I believe, one of the best investments one can make in Africa’s future.”
In response to the announcement, TED Curator Chris Anderson said “We’re absolutely delighted at this news. Neil Turok’s visionary TED Prize wish that the next Einstein come from Africa is being given the best possible chance to come true. This is a giant step forward for the project and thrilling news for everyone who’s helped make it real.”
Read more in the press release.
Interested in supporting the Next Einstein Initiative? Learn more here.
