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The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), a new state-of-the art educational centre, will be formally launched on Thursday, 18 September 2003, in Muizenberg, Cape Town. This is a two-day programme event to highlight the contribution of mathematical sciences in the development of the African continent.

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has spent over R1 million to support the AIMS programme linked to Centres and networks of Excellence in science and technology. The Centres and networks of Excellence are aimed at focusing strongly on human resource development and popularising science in South Africa and across the African continent.

AIMS is an international initiative combining the three Universities in the Western Cape, Cambridge and Oxford in the UK, and the University of Paris-Sud in France. Its goal is to strengthen scientific and technological capacity across the African continent. Initially it will focus on a unique residential nine-month postgraduate course developing strong foundations in mathematical research skills as well as providing an overview of many of the most exciting cutting edge fields in science.

The skills courses include: The Art of Scientific Approximation; mathematical problem solving; information theory; mathematical modelling. There will also be review courses covering: epidemiology, geometry and topology, astrophysics, financial mathematics, quantum physics, fluid dynamics and other fields. Top lecturers from around the world will teach, employing the most modern pedagogical techniques. The aims are to develop strong mathematical and computing problem solving skills, to encourage breadth and innovation, and to build an awareness of the potential for science to solve problems of development.

Through advertising on the web, AIMS has recruited 30 of Africa's top graduate students, from Algeria to Zimbabwe, who on completion will boost the African networks of excellence. In time the student body will grow to 60. Students and lecturers are accommodated at the AIMS educational centre, allowing for maximal interaction. The centre has outstanding computer, library and lecture hall facilities.

The Department of Science and Technology is confident that the AIMS programme will immensely contribute to the Africa' s social and economic development of its human resources and its participation in advancing science and technology. It will also optimise participation in the NEPAD science and technology framework, harnessing opportunities for development to eradicate poverty and underdevelopment in Africa.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ben Ngubane, and Minister of Education, Professor Kader Asmal, will formally launch the AIMS programme with speeches within their portfolios. Senior government officials, academics and researchers from across Africa and international scientists, including the UK's Astronomer Royal Sir Martin Rees, will attend the launch. AIMS is sponsored by international and SA sponsors. Full details of the project are on the AIMS website www.aimsforafrica.org.

NB. THE MEDIA IS INVITED TO ATTEND.

DETAILS OF THE EVENT
Date: Thursday, 18 September 2003
Time: 15: 30
Venue: 6 Melrose Road, Muizenburg Cape Town

Enquiries: Andrew Aphane at 082 387 5615

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology, 16 September 2003