2016 AAAS Annual Meeting (February 11-15, 2016)

February 10 - 15, 2016

Mathematics Making a Difference in Africa

Applied mathematics is at a promising juncture in the developing world. Developing countries in Africa have recognized the very favorable cost-benefit ratio of mathematics as part of the effort to cope with pressing economic and humanitarian issues, including climate and environmental threats, the spread of disease, and urbanization. Applied mathematics has become a regional priority for research and education, and the last few years have seen the creation of several mathematical research centers in Africa, funded by the World Bank and international organizations and promoted by the Next Einstein Initiative. These innovative centers are now actively engaged in training a cadre of mathematical scientists and partnering with Western institutions of higher education. Speakers in this symposium will discuss recent progress in applied mathematics in Africa, how universities can be effective partners in modeling projects to promote development, and how educational resources and research tools can be shared.