In efforts to sustainable societal response to climate change and also build women participation in offering best solutions in that wise, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences in collaboration with International Development Research Centre of Canada and the Canadian Government, formed the AIMS NEI Fellowship Program for Women in Climate Change Science with the aim of placing female researchers in the driver’s seat to solving climate change issues.
To this end, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences has announced the first cohort of Women in Climate Change Science Fellows: Dr. Nana Klutse from Ghana, Dr. Jessica Nosizwe Paula Thorn, a South African national living in the United States and Dr. N’Datchoh Evelyne Toure from Ivory Coast.
Grants for the fellowship program was made available by the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada with financial support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC).
The program will see between 16 to 20 fellowships awarded from 2017 – 2022 to outstanding female scientists from all over the world who are applying substantive mathematical science concepts to address pressing climate change issues relevant to Africa. Each Fellow will receive between $25 000 to $31 000 over one year.
According to Mr. Thierry Zomahoun, President and CEO of AIMS-NEI, “Climate change represents one of humanity’s greatest challenges of the 21st century. The challenges are greater for African countries that are experiencing an increased population growth with downstream consequences on land redistribution.
“Unlike other continents, Africa is in a unique position to grow its economy and industries using climate-smart strategies that apply research-based evidence that limit future extreme climates and adapt to current climatic conditions. To achieve this, contributions by both men and women are critical.
“That’s why in collaboration with the International Development Research Centre of Canada and the Government of Canada, we created the AIMS NEI Fellowship Program for Women in Climate Change Science that puts female researchers in the driver’s seat to contribute to a more sustainable societal response to climate change and we are proud of a very strong first cohort,” said Thierry
Speaking of the fellowship program, the President of the International Development Research Centre, Dr. Jean Lebel, expressed his delight to be a part of the program since 2010, saying that they have witnessed various success stories via AIMS network.
“International Development Research Centre (IDRC) is proud to be involved with AIMS-NEI since 2010, when Canada became the first donor to help AIMS expand across Africa. Over the last decade, we have seen many success stories and the creation of a strong AIMS network.
And today, we are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the first cohort of Women in Climate Change Science Fellows. Their projects are expected to add significantly to our understanding of climate change and its impacts and to the development and implementation of innovative policies and strategies for mitigation, adaptation and resilience. We look forward to great research results from these outstanding mathematical scientists.”
The Fellows were selected from among 14 competitive applicants following a two-step evaluation process by international subject experts, including an International Selection Committee.
Asides standard fellowship, the Women in Climate Change Science Fellowship is also involved with other societal development situations such as addresses certain barriers such as pregnancy, child-birth, establishing a family and others.
