Presentation of AIMS & Sciences Po

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and Sciences Po, the two members of the Bettering Entrepreneurial Training in Africa (BETAF) research consortium, have focused on the training of Scholars capable of meeting the numerous and complex challenges of this century.

Sciences Po was created because its founder, Emile Boutmy, wanted to build from scratch an institution of higher education that the elites of the time lacked.

One hundred and fifty years later, Sciences Po has become an international research university with 14,000 students. But the foundation of our education remains driven by the same vocation: to better understand the world in order to change it for the better.

Sciences Po stands out for combining approaches and confronting different worldviews. This tradition of diversity and multidisciplinary approach makes Sciences Po an active participant in public debate, a forum where thought meets action.

Sciences Po’s overarching mission is to educate future leaders in the public and private sectors. Curious and open-minded, Sciences Po graduates, regardless of their focus and trajectory, all share the ability to “learn how to learn”, which is one of the priorities of our education. However, our ambition extends even further: to educate open-minded and enlightened citizens capable of changing the world and transforming society.

At Sciences Po, the finest researchers in the social sciences engage in continual dialogue with the greatest practitioners. With an academic community of more than 4,000 academics including 2,400 practitioners, the knowledge we transmit to students is nurtured by innovative research and rooted in reality.

Backed by Sciences Po’s extensive network of teachers, partners, researchers and Alumni, the Centre for Entrepreneurship, which manages the Bettering Entrepreneurial Training in Africa project, has three missions:

• Raise awareness among Sciences Po students about entrepreneurship and technological innovation;

• Incubate innovative startups;

• Nurture the public debate on entrepreneurship and innovation.

Established in 2003, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is Africa’s first and largest network of centres of excellence for innovative post-graduate training in mathematical sciences. We enable Africa’s youth to shape the continent’s future through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, public engagement and research.

AIMS has five centres of excellence in South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon and Rwanda.

AIMS’ vision is to lead the transformation of Africa through innovative scientific training, technical advances and breakthrough discoveries.

The mission of AIMS is to enable Africa’s brightest students to flourish as independent thinkers, problem solvers and innovators capable of propelling Africa’s future scientific, educational and economic self-sufficiency.

Established in 2013 with the support of the government of Cameroon, AIMS Cameroon, which has been managing the Bettering Entreperneurial Training in Africa project together with Sciences Po, is the fourth Centre of Excellence to be created under the AIMS Global Network (AIMS Next Einstein Initiative).

AIMS Cameroon offers:

• A Master’s Degree in Mathematical Sciences through a 10-month research-oriented Structured program and an 18-month Co-operative (Co-op) Education program with a direct link to industry through work placements

• A Teacher Training Program (TTP) designed to improve learning outcomes in mathematics for secondary school students

• A Research Centre led by a Chair of Research in Mathematics and its Applications

Through its facilities, partnerships, scientific output, and pan-African character, AIMS Cameroon is poised to bring Cameroon to the forefront of African science.

AIMS Cameroon is located in Limbe in the South West Region of Cameroon.

The project rationale

The Team

About AIMS and Sciences Po

Entrepreneurial Education at Sciences Po and AIMS