Young African Researchers chart future at Heidelberg Laureate Forum

Young Africans researchers participating at the 12th Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF) in Germany have described the experience as transformative, offering fresh opportunities to contribute to the continent’s development.

The Heidelberg Laureate Forum brings together exceptional young researchers in Mathematics and Computer Science to interact with laureates of top global prizes, including the Fields Medal, Turing Award, Abel Prize and ACM Prize in Computing.

Hussaini Joshua, a Nigerian PhD candidate at the University of Kerala, India, and lecturer at the University of Maiduguri, said attending the forum had broadened his research horizon.

“For me, meeting people I had only read about online is highly motivating. It gives me the push to do more and achieve something remarkable,” he said.

Joshua, who specialises in Complex Analysis and Fractional Calculus, also said that the interdisciplinary environment of Mathematicians and Computer Scientists at the forum had inspired him.

The Nigerian researcher said that going forward he would explore applied aspects of his work in coding theory, data analysis and image processing.

According to him, he looked forward to returning to Nigeria to contribute to research, teaching and mentorship of young scholars.

Similarly, Abdussomad Olayiwola, a 300-level student of Human-Computer Interaction at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, said the forum had changed his outlook on research and career opportunities.

“Before, I was thinking in a local way, but now I will be thinking globally.

“I have met people who can guide me, mentor me and open opportunities for my career,” Olayiwola said.

The LAUTECH undergraduate said that he’ll share his experience at the forum with his colleagues at home in order to further develop their capacity and be catalyst for Nigeria’s development.

Also, Funmi Oladipo, a researcher at the African University of Science and Technology, Abuja, who is working on Predictive Modelling of Healthcare Expenditure for Seniors in Nigeria, described her participation as “a beautiful experience.”

“I had the chance to meet laureates I never thought I would meet, and they were very supportive in relation to my area of research.

“I also plan to set up small groups when I return home to share the knowledge gained,” she said.

From Ghana, Nikolas Opoku of the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) said the forum had been one of the best conferences he attended in 2025.

“My research is in Applied Mathematics, specifically Mathematical Biology, focusing on the immune system’s response to tumours.

“Listening to the laureates, I realised there is no easy path in research. Dedication, consistency, belief in oneself and courage are essential,” Opoku said.

Supreme news reports that the young African researchers expressed hope that the knowledge, networks and inspiration gained at HLF would translate into impactful research, mentorship and innovation across the continent.