Global MIT launches the Africa Distinguished Visitors Program

On March 17, the MIT community welcomed the renowned physicist, scholar, and academic leader Professor Mohamed H.A. Hassan, as the first honoree of the MIT Africa Distinguished Visitors Program. During his visit, Hassan delivered a keynote address on the role of innovation in achieving sustainable development on the African continent and met with student leaders and MIT engineering, science, urban planning, and anthropology faculty.

In association with the distinguished visitor’s program, the Office of the Associate Provost announced the creation of the MIT-Africa Seed Fund, supporting innovative projects that will lay the foundations for new research and education initiatives between MIT and African collaborators.

“This is a milestone moment for MIT in terms of increasing its engagement with Africa, and this new program provides a focus for further developing the MIT-wide community of researchers whose work addresses challenges that are relevant to African societies,” said Associate Provost Richard Lester, who oversees the international activities of the Institute. “Professor Hassan is a distinguished African scientific leader, and we are honored to have him as our first visiting scholar.”

Hassan is the president of the World Academy of Sciences and of the Sudanese National Academy of Sciences. He previously served as dean of the School of Mathematical Sciences at the University of Khartoum in Sudan.  His many scientific honors include the Commandor and Grand Cross of the Brazilian Order of the National Scientific Merit; Officer of the Order of Merit of Italy; and Abdus Salam Medal for Science and Technology.

In his lecture, Hassan focused on the obstacles facing African nations and institutions as they work to fulfill the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and he suggested possible directions and opportunities for collaboration between MIT and partners on the African continent.

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