Research
Research is an integral part of the AIMS programme and will be launched at each new AIMS centre within the first few years of opening.
AIMS-South Africa opened its research centre in 2008 and it is staffed with a vibrant mix of full-time researchers, visiting researchers, graduate students and invited speakers. These researchers also mix closely with local academics and lecturers visiting for the PGD programme.
The
main features of an AIMS Research Centre are
- A
strong focus on cutting-edge topics which are most relevant to
African development, especially in fields where scientists in Africa
have a competitive advantage and can do world-leading research
- Close
involvement with local universities and other research institutions
thus widening the pool of available expertise and serving to
initiate long-term research programmes in the local academic
community
- Collaboration
with institutions all over Africa to ensure strong pan-African
participation in all the Research Centre's programmes, stimulating
the growth of pan-African research networks and partnerships
- Participation
of top international researchers and institutions keen to work with
African academics and students on cutting edge projects
- Close
ties with industry by running programmes associated with particular
industrial needs, assisting in capacity building and collaboration
on innovative projects
- The
careful selection of cost-effective, high impact, interdisciplinary
research programmes in which a small fast-moving Centre can break
new ground more effectively than is possible in larger, less
flexible institutions
