Last summer, ICTP Director Miguel Virasoro embarked on a one-month journey across Africa. What he witnessed was a continent earnestly seeking to harness science and technology to build a better future for its people. I n a world marked by breathtaking change, one place unfortunately seems to have remained remarkably the same. Through colonial rule and independence, hot and cold wars, tribal conflict and political reform, Africa has continued to be a portrait of poverty. At least that's been the prevailing image presented by much of the media both in the North and South.
Jobs are scarce, incomes are low and public health is often at risk.
But the image of a continent filled with desperate people without hope is simply not true. There's reason for optimism, not just because we need to be optimistic but because positive steps have been taken that are making a difference now and could make an even bigger difference in the future. Jean-Pierre Ezin deserves much of the credit for this success story, which is slowly emerging as a model for other research institutions throughout Africa. Although harsh conditions have forced many of Ghana's younger, more promising, scientists to leave the country, those remaining are determined to succeed. ICTP will continue to help them through our Visiting Scholar programme, an expanded Diploma Programme and a new proposed Shared Ph.D. programme.