AIMS South Africa Newsletter June/July 2021

Similar to many scientific institutions around the world, AIMS is committed to demonstrating the societal impact of its scientific research which involves communicating and engaging with non-scientists and the general public at large. Furthermore, every effort is made to equip AIMS graduate students and researchers with the necessary skills to deliver effective and impactful science
AIMSSEC, in its ongoing journey which seeks to build capacity of mathematics teachers through a series of in-service training courses, focusing on mathematics teachers from Intermediate Phase (IP), Senior Phase (SP) to Education and Training Phase (FET) in South Africa, with the CAPS document as the underpinning curriculum, has done it again. This time the
The Africa Data Science Intensive (DSI) Programme uses real-world problems to give participants hands-on knowledge of the latest algorithms and techniques in data science and artificial intelligence, deep insights on industry trends, network building and practical team skills used in business to facilitate transitioning to a data science role in industry, academia or through entrepreneurship. Applications for
The dissemination of research findings and knowledge transfer is an integral part of the scientists’ activities to demonstrate the societal impact of research, facilitate research uptake, and translate scientific knowledge into practice. Such a research process involves engaging with a broader audience like policymakers. The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) monthly
The House of Science programme continues to create a conducive environment for students, researchers and mathematics devotees to interact with esteemed mathematical scientists/role models working in academia/industry and other sectors. The Après-Lunch webinars thus enable graduate students to meet potential mentors in their academic career and foster collaboration amongst the researchers. The theme of the
The recent decade has seen the proliferation of the ‘public engagement’ agenda and the calls for actions from various governments and scientific institutions for scientists to engage with the broader society across a range of platforms as reflected in the science-policy frameworks, both in Africa and globally. For the Department of Science and Innovation Science
On 28 March 2021, the University of KwaZulu-Natal hosted a data breakfast on “Predictions for Covid in SA for 2021 and Beyond” with Prof. Bruce Bassett, Head of Cosmology and Machine Learning at AIMS South Africa and Professor of Applied Mathematics at the University of Cape Town who leads the epidemiological modelling of Covid for