Mathematics and Computer Science in Developing Nations

Addressing the role of wealthy countries sponsoring science in poorer regions

Summary

At the 2nd HLF, a new addition to the program was implemented, the Hot Topic session, designed to unpack a theme interwoven with socially relevant aspects of mathematics and computer science. “The Role of Mathematics and Computer Sciences in Developing Countries” was a continuation of the discussion that began at the MENAO conference of the International Mathematical Union (IMU).
The HLF is trying to raise awareness of issues in mathematics and computer science since both disciplines are integral to the prosperity of the Western world. Mathematics and computer science pave the way and guide the future of the ongoing digital revolution. The results of this revolution materialize as new products sold on modern markets and have generated growth and wealth wherever they are available. Today, in industrialized nations, these products affect all aspects of our lives, especially in economics and sciences. Could this become a reality for developing countries, too?

Panelists

• Adamou Ibrahim spoke on “Mathematics and Computer Sciences in Niger: Role, Difficulties and Prospects.” Ibrahim has been employed as a full-time professor in his home country Niger since he participated as a young researcher in the 1st HLF. In 2011, the number of universities in Niger increased from one to four.
• Mohammad Kaykobad focused on “The Role of Mathematics and Computer Science in Developing Countries.” Kaykobad is a computer scientist from Bangladesh, discussed the math Olympics, which he has successfully been organizing for several decades: People from all social classes in Bangladesh are eager to participate in these competitions, a yearning which is much lacking in the Western world.
• Peter Benner from the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems presented with his former PhD student Hermann Mena from the Ecuadorian indigenous tribe of the Otavalos. In “How Herbicides Advanced Applied Math in Ecuador,” they explained how a scientific/political crime story helped to jump start mathematics in Ecuador and simultaneously minimized the cultivation of coca.
• Phanpheakdey Nguon talked about how passionate Cambodia is about computer science and mathematics. He presented his plans for a scientific computing research center in Phnom Penh.
• Prof. PJ Narayanan is the director of the International Institute of Information Technology, Hyderabad, India. From 2012 to 2014 he was the first president of ACM India and established many important initiatives for the computing community in India.
• Vinton Cerf, Chief Internet Evangelist at Google and one of the “fathers” of the internet.

Panel Discussion “The Role of Mathematics and Computer Science in Developing Countries”.