The AIMS Research and Innovation Centre (AIMS RIC) was established in 2017 as a Research Department under the then-AIMS Next Einstein Secretariat. It was created to address the pressing need for a dedicated environment in Africa that bridges the gap between scientific research and practical, sustainable solutions. Africa faces complex challenges in fields like climate change, health, and technology, but there was a shortage of institutions equipped to translate cutting-edge mathematical sciences into real-world impact. The AIMS Research Department filled this gap by fostering innovation, empowering local talent, and creating an environment where African scientists can lead research that directly addresses the continent’s unique socio-economic needs. The department quickly became a focal point for pioneering research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and technological advancement.

In July 2023, the AIMS Research Department evolved into an independent centre, reaffirming its mission to push the boundaries of knowledge through cutting-edge research. Today, AIMS RIC stands as a hub for discovery, innovation, and collaboration, not just within Africa, but on the global stage. It continues to nurture Africa’s brightest minds, fostering world-class research with a focus on solving real-world problems and creating a sustainable future for the continent. The centre is contributing to the critical role mathematical sciences play in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges, from climate change to technological advancement and public health crises. Africa’s complex and rapidly evolving landscape requires innovative approaches that are rooted in data, models, and mathematical projections to drive sustainable development. In areas like disease prevention, renewable energy, and industrial innovation, the demand for skilled professionals who understand the continent’s unique context and can apply scientific expertise is paramount.

AIMS RIC is a response to the growing realisation that while Africa holds immense potential, there was a gap in harnessing the power of mathematical sciences to solve real-world problems at scale. The centre cultivates African-led research and innovation, empowering the continent’s brightest minds to produce solutions tailored to its specific socio-economic and environmental realities. Through collaboration with global partners and local stakeholders, AIMS RIC equips its students and researchers with the technical skills and interdisciplinary knowledge required to address both present and future challenges.