About the MSI

The MSI is an international initiative designed to build capacity in modern science and engineering. Highly adaptable to circumstances, the MSI achieves its mission through a variety of vehicles, among them competitively chosen centers or networks of excellence in scientific research and training.

While MSI projects vary in format according to the strengths and needs of the countries where they are located, they share these essential features: excellence; autonomy; linkages to other institutions, the private sector, government and one another; leaders of major scientific stature and proven leadership ability; a training component; and opportunities for scientists to work in their home countries and to collaborate with colleagues around the world.

All MSI projects are designed by local scientists and governments, usually with the active involvement of both the Science Initiative Group (SIG) and The World Bank. Occasionally, only one of the two organizations is involved. The Venezuela MSI was implemented by the Bank without SIG's participation, and the African Mathematics MSI (AMMSI) was developed by members of the African mathematics community in coordination with SIG and is supported by foundation grants.