Professor Neil Turok, founder of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and
Chair of the AIMS International Governing Board has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society
(FRS), one of the world’s most prestigious scientific honours.
The Royal Society, the United Kingdom’s national academy of sciences, announced its 2026
cohort of Fellows, recognizing over 90 outstanding researchers from across the world for their
exceptional contributions to science and humanity. Professor Turok was elected in recognition
of his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics and his transformative contribution to
advancing science and mathematics education globally.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Professor Turok is widely celebrated for founding AIMS in
Cape Town in 2003. What began as a bold vision to nurture Africa’s scientific talent has since
grown into Africa’s leading network for postgraduate training and research in the mathematical
sciences.
Today, AIMS operates centres of excellence across South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon,
and Rwanda, with plans to further expand its footprint across the continent. Over the years,
AIMS has trained more than 4,000 Master’s graduates and over 1,000 PhD alumni, contributing
significantly to the development of Africa’s next generation of scientists, innovators, and
problem-solvers.
Commenting on the election of Professor Turok to the Royal Society, Prof Sam Yala who is the
President of the AIMS Network, noted that
Professor Turok’s election to the Royal Society is
not only a recognition of his scientific leadership but also an acknowledgement of his
unwavering commitment to expanding access to quality science and mathematics education in
Africa.
Professor Turok now joins the distinguished ranks of some of history’s most influential
scientists, including Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Charles Darwin, Stephen Hawking, and
Dorothy Hodgkin.
Over the years, Professor Turok has received numerous international honours for both his
scientific work and his efforts to strengthen science education globally. These include the TED
Prize in 2008 and the John Torrence Tate Award of the American Institute of Physics in 2016 for
international leadership in physics.
The AIMS Network congratulates Professor Neil Turok on this remarkable achievement and
celebrates his continued contribution to advancing scientific excellence, innovation, and
mathematical sciences education across Africa and the world.
