Building bridges between Africa and Canada through mathematics
We are privileged to introduce Mr. Tidjon Dada Landry Ulrich, a doctoral student in applied mathematics specializing in quantum theory at AIMS Cameroon and pursuing his doctorate at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN). The Advancing Equality in STEM in Cameroon project is part of the BCDI 2030 program. He has been in Canada since January 2025 as a BCDI 2030 Scholar.
Tidjon Dada Landry Ulrich is driven by a desire to contribute to more efficient scientific and technological production on the African continent, putting his academic research at the service of this ambitious goal. With a master’s degree in mathematics from the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), he is now pursuing his aspirations as part of the BCDI 2030 program, which supports young African researchers in achieving excellence and innovation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).
Tidjon’s interest in mathematics manifested itself very early on, in high school. Faced with the growing need for resources, means and — above all — specialized skills on the African continent, he quickly became involved in the development of a sustainable and useful scientific field through quantum theory. Convinced of the need to bridge the gap in training and infrastructure, he also aims to adapt, preserve and transmit scientific knowledge, both nationally and internationally, through structuring initiatives such as BCDI 2030.
Since arriving in the middle of the Canadian winter in January 2025, Tidjon has made numerous discoveries and gained a wealth of experience. His new academic environment has enabled him to continually climb the ladder and build a real bridge between theoretical research in mathematics and its practical applications.
His ambition is reflected above all in the development of sustainable tools in strategic fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and communication, such as the microchips he has already experimented with at AIMS.
At MUN, the faculty’s ongoing support and expertise enable him to maintain academic excellence while deepening his knowledge and skills, with a view to returning to his continent and contributing to its development.
His experiences are not limited to the academic setting. He has also developed strong connections and effective skills, particularly through his involvement in the management and logistics of the 2025 Canada Games. As he himself points out:
“This experience was all the more wonderful! I myself have experienced being welcomed, and I wanted to give something back to those who have warmly guided me.”
Experiences like this are real drivers for Tidjon’s academic and professional career. Multiculturalism, generosity and advances in the Canadian sector are invaluable pillars in his plan to contribute to the development of Cameroon and, more broadly, the African continent.
Through the BCDI 2030 program, he aspires to create and maintain a lasting bridge between Africa and Canadian expertise by promoting international research and the development of various sectors beyond applied mathematics. This ambition is also reflected in his desire to provide concrete solutions, notably through the creation of scientific incubators.
By 2028, he plans to set up mentoring projects and share his knowledge with other African researchers and professionals. His goal is to address major needs by promoting knowledge exchange in the field of applied mathematics. Aware of the challenges associated with the lack of information and access to skills adapted to African and international contexts, he hopes to address these issues with the expertise he has acquired in Canada.
Tidjon expresses his deep gratitude to the BCDI 2030 program, which is enabling him to pursue his aspirations, as well as to the faculty and academic staff at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Canadian community in St. John’s for their support and welcome.
Through his journey (and those of all BCDI 2030 Scholars), BCDI 2030 also wishes to reiterate its commitment to empowering young Africans through education, as well as its desire to advance sustainable economic cooperation between Canada and Africa, based on the transfer of skills and knowledge.
