The Blockchain in Theory and Real Applications School was held at AIMS South Africa from 20 November to 1 December 2023. A blockchain is a digital list of data records, comprised by blocks which are organized in chronological order and are linked and secured by cryptographic proofs. In this school they focused on two branches
The process of voting is central to representative democracies. It is a conventional and universal way votes are cast and counted: People get together, cast ballots, votes are counted, and the majority determines the winner. But how could it be possibly different? Mathematicians have investigated this question under various research aspects. Their analysis helps to
The University of Oxford is establishing a new Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) that will combine the university’s strengths in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Big Data, and environmental sciences. The Intelligent Earth Centre will bridge the gap between environmental science and AI to address global environmental challenges. Professor Philip Stier, Director for The Intelligent Earth Centre,
Blurring Global North/South Boundaries in Advancement of Equity and Inclusion through Science Communication Practices and Research The Inclusive SciComm Symposium (ISCS) conference is an ever-evolving and expansive conference that advocates for science communication that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and intersectionality. It (ISCS) aims to build a community that actively challenges the dominant, marginalizing norms of science,
An AIMS tutor and January intake students attended this conference from 2 to 6 October. The conference was organised by the University of Leeds and the University of Pretoria. The conference sessions were interesting and discussed topics like utilising artificial intelligence in various disciplines. Notably, AIMS students made contributions through discussions, especially for those doing
On 22 July, AIMS, through the House of Science, joined over 70 science, technology and innovation (STI) exhibitors from universities, science councils, national research facilities, industry, science centres, government departments and relevant non-governmental organisations across the country at the official Launch of the 2023 South Africa National Science Week (NSW). NSW is an annual week-long
Dr Rejoyce Gavhi-Molefe, House of Science Manager, co-authored the book chapter on Building Capacity for Science Communication in South Africa: Afrocentric Perspectives From Mathematical Scientists in a newly published book on Race and Sociocultural Inclusion in Science Communication, edited by Dr Elizabeth Rasekoala (affiliation – African Gong). The book is part of the Bristol University
The sweet smell of success is in the air! AIMSSEC is once again celebraing the completion of two courses enhancing the professional development of South African mathematics teachers in terms of subject content knowledge and pedagogical skills. The two courses, Mathematical Communication and Language (MCL), and Mathematical Thinking (MT4) which started at the beginning of
On 25 May, AIMS celebrated Africa Day. It took the form of a Career Expo organised by Muizenberg Library. On the day, AIMS introduced Muizenberg High School learners to various career pathways in mathematics. More than 500 learners attended the event and had an opportunity to interact with representatives from various institutions and City of
From 8 to 10 May, AIMS South Africa, in partnership with African Gong, successfully trained the 4th cohort of AIMS South Africa master’s students in Afrocentric science communication skills during a 3-day Workshop. The global landscape has recognised the fundamental role that science communication skills play in enhancing the scientific ecosystem, scientists’ and academics’ professional
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