Professor Stephen Hawking gave a speech in Africa, saying he wants Africa's brilliant talents to rise and meet the world of science soon . He and others see there are many Einsteins, Gates, Brins and Pages in Africa.
Stephen Hawking gave a speech at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), titled Universe on the special occasion of AIMS' expansion of the postgraduate institution.
AIMS was founded four years ago by Neil Turok, professor of mathematical physics at Cambridge university. The institution is very popular in South Africa, receivinsg six applications for every available seat. They have graduated 160 people so far.
Along with Stephen Hawking, two Nobel physics laureates and the head of NASA attended the function.
Hawking told the
student audience:
"The world of science needs Africa's brilliant talents, and I look forward to meeting prospective young Einsteins from Africa in the near future. If my visit helps to create opportunities for Africans to enter maths and science, I will be delighted."
Professor Neil Turok also gave a speech. He has worked with Stephen Hawking in the past and co-developed advanced theories about the origins of the universe.
Turok told the audience:
"As well as an African Einstein, we want to see the African Gates, Brins and Pages of the future."
I hope this speech and Turok's college inspires Africa. Like the
slogan "A mind is a terrible thing to waste", it is imperative that we tap talents before they are lost forever.
