CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 13 /PRNewswire/ --
- Nobel Laureates and other Leading Scientists and Engineers Gather to Support World Changing Wish
The African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in collaboration with the TED (technology, entertainment design) Prize today announced the launch of www.NextEinstein.org, a website in support of the global campaign to unlock and nurture scientific talent across Africa.
NextEinstein is a program that provides the opportunity for Africans to develop as independent, creative problem solvers and teachers. Grants and scholarships allow students throughout Africa to attend the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and be part of building a better continent.
The NextEinstein initiative was inspired by Cambridge University Professor of Mathematical Physics, and AIMS Founder and Chair Neil Turok and his 2008 TED Prize wish. The Prize grants three individuals one world-changing wish, and support in making the wish come true. Turok wished for help in supporting the study of mathematics and science in Africa "so that in our lifetimes we are celebrating an African Einstein."
NextEinstein.org was designed by Avenue A/Razorfish. The website launch was preceded by a public lecture on May 11 led by Stephen Hawking and attended by a remarkable group of scientists and engineers, including two Nobel Prize Laureates in Physics, David Gross and George Smoot, NASA administrator Michael Griffin, and Mrs. GNM Pandor, MP, The Minister of Education. Nexteinstein.org will serve as a clearinghouse for news and developments related to Turok's inspiring wish, stories of AIMS students and their progress, and information how the world can become involved in supporting this initiative.
Chris Anderson, Curator of TED, commented: "Neil's vision is exciting, and I'm so pleased with the way that Avenue A/Razorfish have stepped forward to create this beautiful website. After their crucial help in other TED Prize wishes, they're now a core part of the TED effort to make this wish come true."
About AIMS
Established in Muizenberg, Cape Town in 2003, AIMS goals are to promote mathematics and science in Africa, recruit and train talented students and teachers, and build capacity for African initiatives in education, research, and technology.
Over the past four years, AIMS has graduated 160 students from 30 African countries. A further 53 students are currently at AIMS, including 20 women, from 20 different African countries.
Web site: http://www.ted.com
Laura Galloway, +1-212-260-3708, laura@gallowaymediagroup.com, for TED Conferences
Comments