Introduction:
To achieve sustainable development, Africa must effectively leverage Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), and the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA) has a pivotal role in achieving this transformation. STISA aims to usher in an African continent that fosters technological innovation, scientific research, and economic growth. Data science is a field of considerable interest that has become increasingly critical to economic growth and development. Data science also helps provide insights that can inform evidence-based decision-making and the development of innovative solutions to address pressing societal challenges. It is essential for African countries to become more innovative and globally competitive.
However, despite growing interest and awareness, there is still a considerable gap in the field of data science in Africa. The shortage of skilled personnel hinders the continent’s ability to build data science capacity. The need for skilled data scientists in Africa is ever-growing, and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) has created a program to fill this gap – its PhD in Data Science 2023 program.
STISA and AIMS PhD in Data Science 2023:
STISA is a pan-African framework for addressing the challenges of sustainable development in Africa through science, technology, and innovation. It aims to promote research and development, knowledge creation, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and innovation. Many universities and institutions do not even offer data science courses. Can Africa realize its potential with this shortage of data scientists? Even its skilled data scientists continue to migrate abroad.
AIMS PhD in Data Science 2023 is in line with STISA’s goals as it seeks to equip African scientists with the skills and knowledge to conduct cutting-edge research in data science, a field that has become increasingly critical to economic growth and development. The program will focus on the theoretical foundations of data science as well as the applications of data science to improve the daily lives of Africans. It is built on the understanding that modern approaches in data science require a combination of expertise spanning the areas of mathematics, statistics, computer science, and the applied sciences. By providing emerging African scientists with the opportunity to conduct research at the forefront of data science, AIMS is contributing to the goals of STISA by promoting knowledge creation and technology transfer.
Call for Applications:
AIMS will be offering up to seven fully-funded PhD positions in this prestigious new doctoral program. The recruited students will be based in Rwanda at AIMS Rwanda or any of the other AIMS centers, in partnership with universities and research institutions across Africa and globally. The program aims to train future change-makers, who will have an impact across academia, industry, education, and government.
If you are an African national with a Master’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, engineering, physics, or other relevant fields and are interested in pursuing a PhD in Data Science, this is your time, this is your opportunity. The application deadline is 14th April 2023. Visit bit.ly/42UjPO0 for more information and to apply.
Interested and qualified? Take advantage of this opportunity and contribute to the development of Africa’s data science field. Be part of the emerging data science ecosystem in Africa.
It is crucial for Africa to harness the power of data and use it to drive economic growth, address social challenges, and achieve sustainable development.
Author: Jide Awe
Science, Technology and Innovation policy advisor.
Find him on Twitter @jidaw