Francis K. Allotey, a member of the ICTP Scientific Council since 1995, is a recipient of the first World Bank-International Monetary Fund Africa Club award. The purpose of the award is to bestow recognition on distinguished African-born scientists. The awards ceremony, which recognized four scientists in addition to Allotey, took place at the Marriot Wardman Hotel in Washington, D.C., on 24 October 1998. Allotey visited the Centre last month to discuss strategies for expanding cooperative activities between the ICTP and African research centres and universities. The discussions were held as a follow-up to the Director's month-long African trip in July.