PublicisLive to produce the Next Einstein Forum - Global Gatherings for The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences

GENEVA, Sept. 30, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- PublicisLive, the Geneva-based events division of Publicis Groupe, has signed a long-term contract with the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) to organize the first three editions of the Next Einstein Forum (NEF) - Global Gatherings, the first to be held in Dakar, Senegal on 8-10 March 2016.

The NEF is Africa's global forum for science. The initiative will foster a strong African scientific community through strengthened global engagement between the scientific and higher education community, the industrial and corporate sector, and high-level policy makers. The NEF will celebrate research from Africa as well as African scientists themselves.

Thierry Zomahoun, AIMS President and CEO and Chair of the NEF said: "We are excited to work with PublicisLive on this great event, hosted by President Macky Sall, that will be propel Africa onto the global scientific stage. At AIMS, we strongly believe that research and development are critical for Africa's emergence and the NEF Global Gatherings will be an important platform to chart Africa's scientific renaissance within a global environment."

Central to the NEF Global Gatherings is the showcasing of Africa's top young scientists, the NEF Fellows, who are the face of Africa's scientific potential. Through the Fellows Class, as well as the NEF's young country ambassadors, there will be enhanced contribution of Africa's youth to scientific research, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Anthony Gazagne, Chief Executive Officer of PublicisLive, said: "It is a privilege and an honor to work alongside Thierry's team on this noble initiative. The objective is simple; give Africa the keys, not only to be autonomous, but active in the world of tomorrow. With the enthusiasm and great professionalism of the NEF Team, and our added value, we are approaching this ambitious challenge with great confidence."

The agreement, which goes into effect immediately and runs until 2020, includes the production of the first NEF Global Gathering in March 2016 in Dakar, Senegal, and the second and third editions in countries' to be announced. NEF Global Gathering 2016 confirmed guests include Naledi Pandor, Minister of Science and Technology of South Africa; Aaron Ciechanover, 2004 Nobel Prize Winner in Chemistry; Michaëlle Jean, Secretary General of la Francophonie; France Cordova, Director of the US National Science Foundation and many others.

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)

Established in 2003, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a network of innovative Pan-African centres of excellence for post-graduate education and research. AIMS has centres of excellence in Cameroon, Ghana, Senegal, South African and Tanzania and is making a major contribution to the growth of scientific and technical capacity in Africa. In 2013, AIMS launched the Next Einstein Forum, a platform that brings together global stakeholders in science, policy, industry and civil society in Africa to leverage science and its applications to solve the world's challenges.

For more information: nexteinstein.org; nef.org

PublicisLive

PublicisLive designs and delivers remarkable events for some of the world's most important and influential organizations. The firm helps leaders, nations, and corporations define and strengthen their global communication strategy and positioning.

PublicisLive is the official provider of logistics and key support services to the World Economic Forum. They also assist select public and private sector clients around the world to design and deliver high-profile events.

PublicisLive are part of MSLGROUP, Publicis Groupe's strategic communications and engagement company.

www.publicislive.com

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