African Diaspora Mathematicians Program

Every year, thousands of scientists migrate from developing countries in search of educational opportunities and better intellectual environments. Some of these individuals acquire singular expertise and find themselves engaged in universities, research laboratories and international organizations outside their original countries.  There are reasons to believe that, given an opportunity, many of these individuals would be willing to share their expertise with scientists and students in developing countries.

For instance, a number of Diaspora mathematicians have been involved in activities that include: conference organization, training schools, teaching and supervision of postgraduate students, which have been undertaken largely through the personal drive and interest of the individuals involved.  These activities are necessary because many universities in Africa have a limited number of mathematics lecturers and consequently have to rely on visiting staff to help cover various areas of mathematics, particularly at the advanced level.

The Commission for Developing Countries (CDC), a commission of the International Mathematical Union (IMU), wishes to tap the expertise of Diaspora mathematicians, in a more formal manner, in order to provide additional staff and support to mathematics departments.

Initially, the Program will be run as a pilot program in Africa for two years (May 2017 - June 2019) and will involve a total of three partnerships, thus giving rise to the name African Diaspora Mathematicians Program (ADMP).

Depending on the success of ADMP, the CDC will decide whether to expand the Program in Africa and extend it to other regions of the Developing World.

Objective of ADMP

The objective of the ADMP is to strengthen appreciation and understanding of mathematics, particularly at the postgraduate level, by utilising the expertise of African Diaspora mathematicians, whilst at the same time encouraging collaboration in research by mathematicians in Africa and those in the African Diaspora, through the partnerships established in the Program.

Who can participate?

• Mathematicians with a PhD who were born and raised in Africa and are now full-time employed outside of Africa as professors in mathematics.
• Mathematics academic units at any university in Africa who want to build long term connections with African Diaspora Mathematicians and hopefully the home institution of the Diaspora Mathematician.
  
  

  Funding 

  Three partnerships will be funded for two years with each partnership granted Euro 7,000 annually to be used as follows, subject to the monetary policies of the IMU:
• The African Diaspora mathematician shall receive up to Euro 6,000 (based on invoices) to cover airfare, travel insurance, visa processing and living expenses for 3 to 6 weeks at the host university in Africa.
• The African Diaspora mathematician shall, in addition, be granted Euro 1,000 per year (based on invoices), to acquire educational material such as books, software, journals and other learning material, to be left to the host institution.

Requirements for the Host University and Home Institution of the Diaspora Mathematician

• The host university has to provide office space and is encouraged to provide accommodation for the African Diaspora mathematician.
• The home institution of the African Diaspora mathematician is requested to offer leave with pay during the 3 to 6 weeks of absence.

How to apply for ADMP?

The application for ADMP has to be submitted online and via e-mail by the African Diaspora mathematician, after appropriate consultation and in agreement with the host institution.

Application Procedure:

Step 1) The African Diaspora Mathematician has to fill out and submit the online application form which will be open from October 1, 2016 to January 31, 2017 on this website. Please go to the online form here: http://www.wias-berlin.de/WCMS/registration.jsp?ADMP

Step 2) The African Diaspora Mathematician has to send an email to the ADMP Administrator which has to contain the following three (3) documents (a-c) -pdf only-:

a) letter -pdf only-from the Vice-Chancellor of the host institution affirming that the proposed partnership has been discussed with the host institution and confirming support for the partnership and activities.

b) A letter -pdf only-from the Vice-Chancellor of the home university of the African Diaspora mathematician affirming awareness of the Program and giving permission for the participation of the African Diaspora mathematician. 

c) A recent CV -pdf only- of the Africa Diaspora mathematician- maximum 5 pages - which must include a list of your most recent five publications.

Please send the three documents via email to: CDC.ADMP.Administrator@mathunion.org 

Application Deadline for all data and documents is 31st January 2017.

The ADMP selection committee will start to review the applications in February 2017 and the ADMP administrator will contact the African Diaspora Mathemartician in case of further requested data and once a decision has been taken.

For more information visit: 

http://www.mathunion.org/cdc/grants/african-diaspora-mathematicians-program-admp/