AIMS South Africa celebrated its prestigious Recognition of Achievement Ceremony on 11 July 2024 at the scenic Muizenburg campus in Cape Town. The event honoured the exceptional 2023-2024 intake students, enrolled through our world-class partner universities – the University of Cape Town, the University of the Western Cape, and Stellenbosch University. These institutions have been vital in shaping and supporting AIMS South Africa since its inception, significantly contributing to a bright future for the mathematical sciences in Africa.

The ceremony began with the dignified entrance of the graduates, marked by the assembly of all guests in their honour. Prof. Ulrich Paquet, Director of AIMS, warmly welcomed attendees, setting a celebratory tone for the event. “On behalf of all AIMS staff and lecturers, we are immensely proud of you for the dedication you have shown. I often see you working late at night, showing honesty and integrity,” he remarked, highlighting the students’ relentless effort and commitment.

A central moment of the event was the conferring of Recognition of Achievement Certificates to the graduates, a testament to their hard work and dedication. This year’s ceremony highlighted the achievements of 33 students, including 7 women, from 12 different African countries, showcasing the diversity and talent across the continent. Prof. Paquet further reflected, “Once your mind has been stretched, it can never regain its original dimensions.”

Agbokpé Gaglozoun Melchior N’Bouke was honoured with the prestigious Stephen Hawking Award for Academic Excellence. Additional accolades for exceptional academic achievements were awarded to Volana Onisoa Herimanana, Voalaza Mahavily Romuald Aubert, Vincent Ondima Kongo, Tiana Fandresena Gérald Ramonjison, Abel Legese Shibiru, Anas Ahmed Abdou Awadalla, Ny Haingo Miantsatiana Andry, and Tsiry Meva Sisih Rakotondratoetra.

A new feature of this year’s ceremony was the introduction of the AI for Science Stream, marking a significant expansion of AIMS’ academic offerings. Funded by Google DeepMind, this programme was launched last year and focuses on applying artificial intelligence to solve complex scientific problems. This year, 16 students from this innovative stream were recognised as the first cohort to complete the programme, setting a precedent for future integrations of AI and science education.

Dr Elizabeth Rasekoala, the commencement speaker, praised the graduates and the institution, stating, “I would like to commend the leadership of AIMS South Africa for starting and sustaining this unique academic programme over the past 20 years, and wishing you more success for the next 20 and beyond.”

Prof. Karin-Therese Howell and Prof. Claire David shared their perspectives on the graduates’ unique skills. Prof. Howell noted, “You will walk out of AIMS with exposure to courses that equipped you to work distances, to see patterns, to see tools from different disciplines that you could use to solve problems.” Prof. David added, “For those of you who completed the AI Stream, your knowledge in the field and your knowledge of algorithms is rare to the outside world and it is precious. You will be considered to be experts.”

The ceremony also included inspiring addresses by student representatives, who spoke on behalf of their peers, sharing their experiences and aspirations. Mr Vincent Ondima Kongo shared, “During our stay at AIMS, our minds have been stretched to higher dimensions. As we reflect on our time within the programme, we realise that we have not only gained knowledge but have also developed a profound passion for the core of mathematics and intelligence.”

Mr Anas Ahmed Abdou Awadalla added, “We are a part of a larger story, a story of growth, perseverance, and endless possibilities. We are a part of Africa. Let us move forward and take the future of Africa into our hands with the knowledge, confidence and skills we have gained. I am certain we will make a positive impact and am certain that Africa will have a good future.”

The Recognition of Achievement Ceremony was not only a culmination of a year of rigorous study but also a beacon of hope for the future contributions of these young leaders to the world of science and technology. As AIMS continues to nurture talent, its graduates are poised to become catalysts for innovation and change across Africa and beyond.