Stephen Hawking

"This institute will bring Africa to the cutting edge of science. Those were my words five years ago, when I learned of the ambitious plan to create AIMS. The progress made since then has been startling. AIMS is now generating a stream of well-prepared students entering many advanced areas of science. The NextEinstein plan, to create AIMS centres all over Africa, is even more exciting. Its implementation will have a major impact on the continent's development. Not only will this be vital for Africa, I believe it will be important for the future of science because science needs Africa's talents. I am keenly looking forward to meeting prospective young Einsteins from Africa."

— Stephen W. Hawking, renowned cosmologist