Neil Turok: My wish: Find the next Einstein in Africa

The speaker shares his journey as a theoretical physicist and his passion for Africa. He discusses his childhood in Africa, his work on the Big Bang theory, and the challenges Africa faces. He founded the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) to nurture African talent in mathematics and science. AIMS has been successful, and the speaker's TED wish is to expand AIMS across Africa, aiming for the next Einstein to be African.

What dual roles does the speaker balance in his professional life?

• Theoretical physicist and novelist

• Theoretical physicist and African project volunteer

• Theoretical physicist and musician

• Theoretical physicist and chef

What inspired the speaker to explore alternative theories about the universe?

• A book on quantum mechanics

• A question from his primary school math teacher

• A lecture by Stephen Hawking

• A conversation with a miner

What is the main goal of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)?

• To conduct research on African wildlife

• To provide basic education to African children

• To nurture African talent in mathematics and science

• To offer online courses in physics

How does AIMS differ from traditional universities?

• It focuses on rote learning

• It emphasizes interactive teaching and problem-solving

• It offers only online courses

• It has no physical campus

What is the speaker's TED wish for Africa?

• To increase tourism in Africa

• To build more schools

• To improve healthcare in Africa

• To find the next Einstein in Africa