Hopefully They'll Ignore Watson's Comments

Stephen Hawking is just one scientist backing the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (Aims) project, founded four years ago in South Africa by Neil Turok, reports this Times Online article. Turok, who won a £50,000 TED prize earlier this year, started the project to help Africa develop its science base. It's also hoped to go a long way toward undoing negative stereotypes, perpetuated by comments like those rolling off James Watson's tongue. "The world of science needs Africa's brilliant talents and I look forward to meeting prospective young Einsteins from Africa," said Hawking at this week's launch ceremony.