African Institutes of Science amp; Technology.ppt

London, UK, March 2006 African Institutes of Science Technology Wole Soboyejo Princeton Institute of Science and Technology of Materials Department of Mechanical Aerospace Engineering Princeton University The Historical Context of ST in Africa With the exception of Africa it has long been recognized that world class science and technology are the true engines of economic growth and development (value addition to people natural resources) e.g. IIT, MIT This has been achieved in Europe, North America, Australia and most recently Asia….. However, in contrast Sub-Saharan Africa has 83 scientists and engineers per million people compared to about 1000 in the developed world So why not Africa?.......and How? The AISTs: From Concept to Reality… The idea of the AIST emerged from a conversation between Jim Wolfensohn and Nelson Mandela….. Nelson responded by suggesting a coordinated effort in African Science and technology World bank concept paper developed in 2002 Support of all African Heads of State in 2005 ISAB and ASC formed in 2005 (Academic) AIST launch in Abuja, Nigeria, in January 2006 AIST-Burkina and AIST-Arusha plans emerge First intake of students at AIST-Abuja in 2007... AIST’s Vision and Philosophy AIST Vision …. to foster sub-Saharan Africa’s economic growth and development through the promotion of excellence in science and engineering and their applications….with the view to complement and strengthen national institutions and network with existing institutions/groups AIST Philosophy and Approach - …Pan-African institution with a focus on African problems e.g. water, food, infrastructure, environment and value addition Dedication to excellence in learning, teaching, and research (bring down barriers and remove silos) Emphasize cross-disciplinary approaches to understanding issues and solving problems Be independent, merit-based and sustainable (endowment model is the long term goal) The AIST Flower Model The original model was to establish 4 indepen