| | | AIMS South Africa Integrative Think Tank (ITT) |
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| | | We’re proud to reflect on the recent Integrative Think Tank (ITT) at AIMS South Africa, a five-day challenge workshop where students tackled real-world R&D problems in collaboration with industry partner Laduma Analytics. |
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| | From career development sessions led by Claire David to industry insights from Lindelwe Moyo and final pitches to a panel including Alex R., the week showcased the power of applied mathematical sciences in action. |
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| | With expert pitch training from James J. Njong, students developed and presented innovative, data-driven solutions to real-world challenges. This is what applied mathematical sciences looks like in practice: collaboration, creativity, and impact. |
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| | Congratulations to all participants, and to the winning teams for their outstanding work. |
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| | Exploring Agentic AI at AIMS |
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| | | | | Agentic AI is rapidly reshaping the future of work from accelerating scientific discovery and software development to enabling organisations and teams to scale their impact. This shift is already well underway. |
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| | On Tuesday, 28 April 2026, AIMS South Africa hosted a hands-on workshop as part of the AI Research Huddle, bringing together students and researchers to explore how agentic AI tools function in practice. |
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| The session focused on understanding the capabilities of these systems and how they can be used responsibly to enhance productivity. |
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| | Participants explored how agentic AI works and why it is a game changer, learned to use autonomous AI systems responsibly to accelerate their productivity, and gained hands-on experience with the Google Gemini CLI tool. |
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| | AIMS Alumni in Industry Fireside Chat |
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| | | | | On 13 April, we hosted the Alumni in Industry Fireside Chat, a platform for our graduates to share how their advanced training at AIMS has shaped their professional journeys. The discussion explored the realities of conducting research in industry, the challenges of pursuing further study while employed, and the many ways in which mathematical science training can be applied beyond academia. |
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| | We were honored to welcome alumni Cebisile Mthabela from Amazon Web Services, Ndivhuwo Mphephu, SBDA Mphephu from Standard Bank, Refiloe Shabe from InstaDeep, and Rockefeller R (PhD) from Morae. Their reflections offered invaluable insights into the transition from academia to industry and demonstrated the breadth of opportunities available to AIMS graduates. A big thank you to James J. Njong from AIMS Cameroon, who moderated the discussion. |
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| | Students expressed how much they valued hearing directly from alumni who have successfully navigated diverse career paths. The perspectives shared inspired them and reinforced the relevance of AIMS training in preparing graduates to thrive in both academic and professional environments. |
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| We extend our sincere gratitude to our alumni for their generosity in sharing their experiences and to our students for their enthusiastic engagement. This event highlighted the strength of the AIMS community and the vital role alumni play in guiding and inspiring the next generation of leaders in mathematical sciences. |
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| | Building Capacity for CPUT, SPU, UFH & UNIZULU Mathematical Sciences Scholars in Transformative Leadership and Impactful Public Science Communication |
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| | | | | From 15 - 17 April 2026, forty Honours and Master’s students, together with five Academic Leads in the mathematical sciences from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), University of Fort Hare (UFH), Sol Plaatje University (SPU), and University of Zululand (UNIZULU, participated in Phase 2 of the 2026 Africa Scientifique Programme at AIMS South Africa, delivered in partnership with African Gong. |
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| | The annual three-phase programme aims to strengthen the capacity of young and emerging African researchers in leadership, science communication, and public engagement. Phase 1, completed in March 2026, introduced participants to the strategic, historical, global, and |
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| contemporary dimensions of science communication, while Phase 2 provided intensive hands-on engagement with public science communication and engagement practices in preparation for Phase 3 – a six-month mentored science communication outreach and project implementation phase. |
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| | Designed as an intensive, highly interactive, hands-on, minds-on three-day workshop, the programme empowered participants to leverage science communication skills to advance leadership, career growth, employability, and impact across academia, industry, and broader society. |
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| | | | | | | AIMS South Africa was pleased to participate in the Open Day hosted at Stellenbosch University on Saturday, 18 April 2026. |
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| | The event brought together a strong cohort of undergraduate students, along with a number of postgraduate attendees, all exploring future study opportunities. |
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| | Our stand was led by Teaching Assistant Marry Thekhwe and supported by eight dedicated student volunteers, who engaged with visitors and shared insights into AIMS programmes and pathways in the mathematical sciences. |
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| We were encouraged by the level of interest and enthusiasm, and we look forward to connecting further with students considering AIMS as part of their academic journey. |
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| | | | | | January intake students continued to benefit from courses delivered by an international group of lecturers during the April–May 2026 teaching block. |
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| | In this block, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics was taught by Prof. Jerome Neufeld and Prof. Grae Worster (University of Cambridge). Algebraic Biology was delivered by Dr Matthew Macauley (Clemson University), while Analytical Mathematical Biology was taught by
Dr Douglas Speirs (University of Strathclyde). |
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| | These courses formed part of the core academic programme, combining theoretical foundations with practical applications and exposing students to a diverse range of topics. |
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| | AIMS extends its sincere thanks to all lecturers for their time, expertise, and commitment to delivering a rich and engaging learning experience. |
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| | Jerome Neufeld and Grae Worster |
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| AIMS Researcher Contributes to Global Mentoring Dialogue at IMA Coffee Chat |
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| | | | | On 27 April 2026, the International Mentoring Association hosted a virtual Coffee Chat on “Differently Situated: An Asset-Based Perspective on Mentoring.” |
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| | Convened by Dr Brenda LH Marina-Lewis (Founder & CEO, myntrmi Mentoring & Consulting, USA), the session featured Global South contributors: Dr Fumane P. Khanare (University of the Western Cape), Dr Ntombizandile Gcelu (University of the Free State), and Dr Tejumade V. Ogundipe (AIMS South Africa). |
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| The discussion explored how mentoring is shaped by context, highlighting an asset-based approach that values local strengths, lived experience, and principles such as Ubuntu. Despite geographic distance, the panellists demonstrated how meaningful connections can be built across borders. |
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| | The session reinforced the importance of inclusive, context-aware mentoring and the growing influence of Global South perspectives in shaping global practice. |
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| | Celebrating Excellence Behind the Scenes |
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| | | | | At a 2024 conference, Dr Tejumade V. Ogundipe reflected on a growing challenge in academia: many are taking on administrative roles due to limited support. |
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| | At AIMS, we are fortunate to experience the opposite. |
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| | Our administrators do more than support our work, they elevate it. A recent workshop made this clear: what appeared to be a seamless day for 40 learners and |
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| their teachers was, in reality, the result of months of careful planning, coordination, and attention to detail. |
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| | This is the quiet craft of administration, turning complexity into clarity. It is the unseen foundation on which our programmes succeed. |
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| | We recognise and deeply value our administrative teams. Their work makes excellence possible. |
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| | Crossing Boundaries Through Mathematical Thinking |
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| | | | | March and April have been exceptionally active months for the AIMSSEC department at AIMS South Africa. Across four intensive Saturday workshops, more than 160 Grade 10 learners from six partner schools gathered at AIMS South Africa as part of the three-year TurtleStitch project. These include: Intlanganiso Secondary School, Wallacedene High School, Crestway High School, Spine Road High School, Lavender Hill High School, and Masiphumelele High School. |
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| | For all the learners, this was their first time stepping onto the AIMS campus. |
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| | | | The energy is always palpable when learners arrive. There is excitement, curiosity, nervousness, and anticipation. The AIMSSEC team understands that for township learners, entering a prestigious institution like AIMS South Africa can feel unfamiliar and intimidating. Creating a sense of belonging, therefore, begins long before mathematics starts. |
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| | | | | Applications are now open for the AIMS South Africa Master’s in Mathematical Sciences (2026/2027 intake)! |
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| | Take the next step with a fully funded, world-class programme in Cape Town, designed to build skills in mathematics, data science, and problem-solving for real-world impact. |
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| | | Please note that this application cycle is open only to South African citizens, permanent residents, and refugees residing in South Africa. |
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| | | 🗓️ Deadline: 31 August 2026 ✨ Women are strongly encouraged to apply |
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