A new generation of African talent brings cutting-edge AI to scientific challenges

security, health care and exploration of the universe are among the methods that the students of the Master’s program in all of Africa are to implement artificial intelligence

In Google DeepMind, we are committed to supporting the next generation of artificial intelligence leaders (AI) to help build a stronger, more diversified and comprehensive global community. This includes increasing access to artificial intelligence and science through education.

Last year, we have made a partnership with the African Institute of Sports Science (AIMS), the first network of excellence in Africa in mathematical science, to launch the MASTER Science Program, with a grant of $ 4.5 million from Google Deepmind.

This financing helps goals in providing complete scholarships, equipment and calculation for talented local students, allowing them to reach advanced studies in mathematics, artificial intelligence and machine learning from academics at a global level in AIMS South Africa. Students have the opportunity to accelerate the scientific discovery, with guidance and support from Google DeepMind researchers and engineers.

This summer, the first group of students graduated at a ceremony on the AIMS campus in Cape Town, South Africa. As the next generation of artificial intelligence leaders in Africa, Beria Chengnabi Kalbebee, Olivier Maqououn Oujjba, and Divo Mbodjhu Annett Darios participated in their experiences in pioneering artificial intelligence research and what they hope to achieve in their work.

Beria: Innovation to improve food security

Sustainability is a maximum priority for Peria, originally from Chad. “I hope to develop solutions to sustainable agricultural development that will benefit both people and the planet by combining the principles of renewable energy, microscopy, and preserving the environment in my work,” he says.

“Beyond agriculture, artificial intelligence provides great potential to enhance the elasticity of natural environments in Africa,” adds. “By implementing the monitoring systems and supporting decision -making with the same AI, we can protect the precious green areas and biological diversity in Africa for future generations.”

Olivier: The leading transmission of the virus through the lens of climate change

Olivier’s passion for applying mathematics on complex problems to South Africa’s goals led: “Throughout my academic journey, I was fascinated by the power of mathematics, especially in the face of challenges in the real world through artificial intelligence.” “The strong foundation in mathematical science is necessary to lead the progress made in areas such as health care, climate science and technology – and I am keen to be at the forefront of these developments.”

Originally from Benin, Olivier is now looking to apply this approach to data from African countries to help understand the spread of dengue fever. “Using advanced artificial intelligence techniques, I hope to create more accurate predictive models to inform public health strategies and interventions, and eventually contribute to controlling and preventing this viral disease.”

Discussing the personal impact of granting him, Olivier narrates, “without it, following up on advanced studies in such a prestigious institution could not be financially achieved for me.

Diffo: Detecting the secrets of our world

Diffo, from Cameroon, is fascinated by the big questions that exceed the Earth – which prompted it to the SKA, the largest radio and more sensitive telescope on this planet.

“Understanding a 21 cm line provides an insight into the early universe, the formation of stars and first galaxies, and the structure of the universe,” explains Diffo. “By applying Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC), I hope that the best and efficiency of extracting these faint signals from SKA data, which may lead to more accurate cosmic models and a deeper understanding of the future development.”

For those who think about similar studies, Diffo offers some words of tips: “Stay curious, be continuous and embrace multidisciplinary learning.

Supporting artificial intelligence teaching in Africa

This work depends on our current obligations in the region, including our support for Deep Learning Indaba through volunteering and financing since its establishment in 2017, which is the last launch of the experience of our experience in Africa, which has already participated with local teachers who have been working with more than 30,000 young men, and additional educational financing, which was used by three other African universities to provide more than 40 worlds in the academic stage since 2020.

The increased acting in the AI ​​Research field provides an opportunity that affects the need to bring values, views and various concerns in talks about the design and publication of this transformational technology. We hope to serve our support for AIRMS only in building a global and comprehensive ecosystem of artificial intelligence, but it also helps students discover new scientific discoveries that benefit their entire local and expert societies.