Cambridge Lecturer Strengthens Ties with AIMS Rwanda and African Olympiad Academy
December 2025 — Zoe Wyatt gave a three‑week course on Partial Differential Equations at the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Kigali, Rwanda, further deepening the longstanding relationship between the University of Cambridge’s Faculty of Mathematics and AIMS.
This visit marks the fifth time Zoe has lectured at AIMS Rwanda, continuing a tradition of academic collaboration, mentorship, and capacity‑building that has supported emerging African mathematicians for more than a decade. Her course drew students from across the continent, many of whom aspire to pursue postgraduate study in Europe and North America.
Students from the 2025 AIMS Rwanda cohort attending the PDE course.
Visit to the African Olympiad Academy
During her stay, Zoe also visited the African Olympiad Academy (AOA), a newly launched initiative co‑founded by Cambridge alumnus Arun Shanmuganathan (Trinity, 2014). The Academy aims to train mathematically talented secondary‑school students from across Africa as they prepare for international competitions such as the IMO.
Zoe speaking to students.
Zoe addressed the first cohort of AOA students, sharing insights into studying mathematics at Cambridge and offering guidance on academic pathways. The cohort represents what the Academy expects will be a growing network of future mathematical leaders.
Her sustained engagement with AIMS continues to bear fruit. One of her former AIMS students is currently studying in Cambridge on a Mastercard Foundation Scholarship, while several others have progressed to graduate programmes across North America and Europe.
Strengthening Cambridge–Africa Collaboration
Zoe's ongoing involvement exemplifies Cambridge’s broader commitment to supporting mathematical excellence and educational opportunities across Africa. These partnerships help foster the next generation of global mathematical researchers while enriching both AIMS and the Faculty of Mathematics.
The AIMS Rwanda campus in Kigali.