Next Einstein Forum 2017 looks for 54 science and technology ambassadors

The Next Einstein Forum has launched the search for fifty-four science and technology Ambassadors, one champion from each African country. The selected Next Einstein Forum Ambassadors will join the Next Einstein Forum Fellows Class as part of the Next Einstein Forum’s Community of Scientists.

The Ambassadors will attend the Next Einstein Forum Global Gathering, the second edition of which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda. They will have the opportunity to network with emerging and world renowned scientists and technology leaders as well as industry and policy leaders at an innovative gathering that will focus on how science and technology can solve global challenges, boost sustainable growth and accelerate human development.

“The Next Einstein Forum Global Gathering 2016 held in Senegal was a resounding success, primarily because 60% of the participants were young emerging scientists and technologists. The Next Einstein Forum Ambassadors bring a fresh, local perspective, in addition to their growing expertise in science and technology. Next Einstein Forum Ambassadors will represent their countries and the continent on a global stage, championing science-driven growth and development,” said Thierry Zomahoun, Chairperson of the Next Einstein Forum and President and CEO of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences.

Next Einstein Forum Ambassadors should be residents of an African country, under forty-two years of age, have completed advanced studies in science, technology or have significant entrepreneurial achievements. They should also have a track record of leadership in their community, be passionate about promoting science and technology, and have an active online profile and following.

“Next Einstein Forum Ambassadors drive local public engagement activities while growing their own careers through partnerships that offer opportunities for mentorship and collaborations with established researchers,” said Youssef Travaly, Next Einstein Forum Director of Programmes and Content.

On another note, IBM Research and The Next Einstein Forum have joined forces to promote the future of African scientific talent and advance the continent’s knowledge economy.

The two organisations have signed a collaboration agreement through which 5 Next Einstein Forum Fellows will become visiting IBM scientists at IBM’s global network of research labs. The programme is designed to give a boost to Africa’s most promising young scientists and help set the pace and direction for the continent’s cutting edge scientific research.

Through the initiative, five selected Next Einstein Forum Fellows will visit one of IBM’s global research laboratories, such as those in Kenya, US, Switzerland, China, India, Brazil, Israel, and Australia.  During their one week visits, the scientists will be paired with an IBM researcher in a similar field and actively engage with the broader IBM community through lectures, seminars and workshops.

An initiative of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences and Robert Bosch Stiftung, the Next Einstein Forum mobilises the brightest minds to address the most pressing problems through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as well as the social sciences.

IBM Research Africa is IBM’s 12th global research lab and the first industrial research facility on the continent of Africa. With facilities in Kenya and South Africa, IBM Research Africa is driving innovation by developing commercially viable solutions to transform lives and spark new business opportunities in key areas such as water, agriculture, transportation, healthcare, financial inclusion, education, energy, public safety and e-government.

IBM is the biggest employer of technical talent on the African continent. In 2015 IBM announced an investment of $60 million over three years to develop the next generation of technical talent in Africa. As part of the initiative, IBM is expanding the Africa Technical Academy and the company’s Africa University Programme to over 20 African countries. IT professionals across the continent are set to benefit with advanced skills in analytics, cloud and big data technologies which are crucial to the next phase of Africa’s economic and social development.