AIMS is a partnership project between the universities of Oxford, Cambridge, Paris-Sud XI and the South African universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and the Western Cape. It aims to cultivate a new generation of African scholars who will advance development on the continent. Our 2007 grants will support postgraduate bursaries for women, and the building which houses the research institute.

AIMS was established in Cape Town in 2003. Each year, it recruits bright graduates with strong mathematics backgrounds from across Africa for a unique nine month course. The course is taught by outstanding international lecturers and develops problem-solving skills in mathematics and computing, with special reference to applying mathematical sciences to practical development issues. In 2006, the programme accepted 49 students, 13 of whom are women, from 20 different African countries.

Arcadia’s grant of $1.0 million over three years funds bursaries for female graduates, supporting all student costs including travel to and from Cape Town, accommodation, medical insurance and a monthly stipend. Our grant also funds half-bursaries for female students to pursue Masters and PhD programmes in South Africa after leaving the institute.

AIMS will also house an advanced research centre, and Arcadia has granted a further $314,000 to acquire and renovate a building for the centre.