Prince Osei was a postdoctoral researcher at Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics where he was a Fields-Perimeter Fellow. Now he is the Centre President of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in Ghana and a Lead Scientist at Quantum Leap Africa.
Perimeter Institute alumni have gone on to a wide variety of roles after leaving the Institute. During Prince Osei’s time as a postdoctoral fellow he didn’t just delve deep into quantum theory, he also learned how research centers like Perimeter Institute work. He’s now applying that knowledge at AIMS to build STEM opportunities for young Africans. We reached out to Prince to learn more about his journey.
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and length.
What is your current role, and how are you trying to push boundaries in your field?
I am currently the Centre President of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) Ghana and Lead Scientist at Quantum Leap Africa (QLA) at AIMS RIC in Kigali. At AIMS, we believe that the future of science is in the youth of Africa and our goal is to provide young Africans with the opportunity to realize this potential. My role is to provide strategic direction of the organization, create programs and mobilize the necessary resources to support training and research initiatives. I oversee the development of fundraising plans, funding proposals and identify other self-sustaining initiatives to increase the Centre’s funds. I also establish fruitful working relationships and create collaborative opportunities with community groups, funders, government, university partners and other like-minded organizations to advance the work of AIMS.
I also lead a research group in quantum gravity and topological quantum computing. The group currently has four faculty, two postdoctoral researchers, three PhD students, and two Master’s students.
What brought you to where you are now?
My journey has been shaped by a strong faith, a deep interest in mathematics, and a desire to build systems that serve others. I have always loved and enjoyed mathematics from a young age. I studied mathematics at the University of Ghana, where I later became the first person in 65 years since the start of the University to earn a PhD in Mathematics. My doctoral research with Bernd J. Schroers focused on non-commutative structures in quantum gravity. This opened the door to a postdoctoral role at Perimeter Institute in Canada, where I deepened my understanding of quantum theory and its overlaps with topological quantum computing.
At Perimeter Institute, I was drawn not only to research excellence but also to learning how the institute operated. I believed that we could build a similar space in Africa to enable young people to innovate. These insights led me to AIMS, where I became a founding Director of Quantum Leap Africa and Centre President.
What are you passionate about?
Outside my professional work, I am a life coach, entrepreneur and a soccer fanatic who values reflection, service, and building meaningful connections. As a coach, I mentor young people not just in academic or career matters, but in how to navigate life with purpose and integrity. I often make time to support early-career professionals and students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, who are trying to find their direction. I enjoy building things that last whether in people, institutions, or communities.
As an entrepreneur, I founded two companies: Analytics IQ, an actuarial and risk management consulting firm, and Korier Realty, a real estate and real asset investment company currently valued at about $4 million. I view real estate as a means to contribute to sustainable development and create long-term value.
One of my greatest joys is leading a sporting club (Honourables SC) and founding a football academy (GIMASH Academy) that brings together youth from diverse backgrounds including talented and less privileged youth around teamwork, discipline, and community spirit. I value family, community, and the simple rhythms of everyday life. These personal investments reflect my broader vision: to build systems that empower others and drive Africa’s growth in all spheres of life.
How has your work impacted your industry and community?
As a theoretical physicist, my work has significantly advanced the understanding of quantum gravity and topological quantum computing, including developing novel theories based on new algebraic structures. I am also deeply committed to promoting STEM education and building scientific capacity across Africa. As Centre President of AIMS Ghana and Lead Scientist at Quantum Leap Africa in Kigali, I’ve spearheaded initiatives to empower African youth through advanced training and research. I have led efforts that raised and managed over $11 million to support students and researchers from 45 African countries and overseen the training of over 800 Master’s students with global faculty. I initiated new programs including a Master’s in AI and one for Mathematical Sciences for teachers.
At Quantum Leap Africa, I’ve led pioneering efforts in quantum computing and emerging tech, reaching over 500 young Africans and organizing Africa’s first Quantum Hackathon, which involved over 100 students, mentors, and quantum experts from across the world, and a Quantum Technology Education Workshop. I served on the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council for Quantum Economy, contributing to the quantum economy blueprint. I also serve on the advisory committee of the Open Quantum Institute at CERN, contributing to shaping global quantum policy.
How do you give back to your community?
Mentorship, inclusive leadership, and public engagement are at the heart of my work.
At AIMS Ghana, I have supported the academic and personal potential development of many students from across Africa, mentoring many through undergraduate, Master's, and doctoral research. Several of these students now lead or contribute to academic research and various industries. I’ve taught over 20 university-level courses across all academic levels and remain committed to transforming science education and research across Africa. I have supervised ten Master’s students and three PhD students.
I have also established the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Program (GMSP), which is aimed at supporting and guiding the brightest high school girls to pursue careers in STEM to the highest level. With over 120 beneficiaries in the past three years, the program seeks to strengthen access to STEM for historically underserved groups. I co-founded the Helping Teachers Teach Math Conference (HTTMC) series, which has supported over 600 teachers across Africa.
I regularly speak at public science events, education forums, and international platforms such as GESDA, World Economic Forum, UNICC, and UNESCO, such as UNESCO’s launch of the International Year of Quantum Science, helping to translate recent advanced scientific concepts into accessible dialogue.