Neuroscience in Africa dates back over 5,000 years to ancient Egyptian mummification practices. However, its spread across the continent has been slow. A lack of data on neurological disorders led many Africa-born, Europe-trained researchers to return and help transform the field. In 1993, this effort resulted in the founding of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA).  

This symposium explores how brain literacy is reshaping neuroscience in Africa. 

  • Chair: Lihle Qulu-Appiah (Cape Town, South Africa)
  • K. General Neuroscience Topics
  • Scientific Symposia (S)
  • Hall H
  • Thursday, 9 July
  • 09:45 AM – 11:15 AM 

Part 1: Key Decisions and Leadership Behind the Birth of Neuroscience Collaboration in Africa. 

Speaker: Sooraj Baijnath (Johannesburg, South Africa) 

The advancement of neuroscience research in Africa is dependent on strategic leadership focused on innovation, capacity building, and international collaboration. Facing resource limitations and limited access to cutting-edge research tools, African neuroscientists have historically lagged behind global counterparts. Recognizing the transformative potential of advanced techniques such as high-resolution analytical techniques, particularly mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), African leaders prioritized integrating advanced MSI technologies, including atmospheric pressure matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (AP-MALDI), compatible with sophisticated mass spectrometers. This investment has enabled detailed spatial mapping of neurochemicals, lipids, and pharmacological agents within the brain, providing unprecedented insights into diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, major depressive disorder, and neuroinflammation. Leadership efforts concentrated on fostering international partnerships to facilitate technology transfer, training, and knowledge sharing, essential for sustainable infrastructure development. Capacity-building initiatives empowered local scientists in MSI operation, data analysis, and interpretation, nurturing a new generation of African neuroscientists. These strategic decisions directed research focus toward neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders prevalent on the continent, ensuring resource allocation aligns with regional health priorities. The collaborative platform, involving neurologists, chemists, biologists, and imaging specialists, have accelerated the adoption of MSI and related techniques across Africa. Overall, visionary leadership has transformed Africa’s neuroscience research landscape, enabling high-resolution, in-situ molecular studies that deepen understanding of brain function and disease pathways. These advancements are instrumental in improving healthcare outcomes and fostering scientific growth throughout the region, positioning Africa as an emerging hub for innovative neurochemical research.

Part 2: The Transformative Power of Education in Shaping Neuroscience in Africa. 

Speaker: Sharon Juliano (Bethesda, United States) 

The Teaching Tools Workshops in Africa (TTW) have been occurring for nearly 20 years. The Workshops aim to provide teaching skills and fundamental content of a Neuroscience curriculum to young faculty. The TTWs provide individual content modules to seamlessly integrate into various curricula at a level that reduces complexity. The TTWs occurred in 12 African countries and presented to over 350 attendees representing 30 countries. We strongly encourage and solicit participation from all regions, countries, and cultures on the continent. The Workshop brings a valuable resource to African Neuroscientists as evidenced by the strong positive response each time we hold a conference. We are convinced that the TTWs elevated and increased Neuroscience education to a large number of attendees (who all teach an aspect of Neuroscience) and their students. After each Workshop we receive strong statements of support; we ask the attendees to evaluate the experience and nearly 100% of the students consistently indicate that the TTW will help them become better teachers of Neuroscience. The attendees also indicate that our Workshop strongly sparked and increased their interest in Neuroscience. We continue to frequently receive correspondence from students who participated, even those who took part years ago. We continually incorporate novel curricula and exercises (e.g., curriculum development, electrophysiology learning software tools). We also expose the students to designing courses, exams, and overall curricula. We incorporate asynchronous learning and flipped classroom approaches directly into the sessions, so that the participants will be equipped to establish some of the most modern and effective pedagogical approaches at their institutions. We estimate the principles learned and conveyed by the TTWs graduates extrapolated their reach to over 20,000 students in Africa considering that all of our attendees teach Neuroscience classes ranging from tens to hundreds of pupils every year. These Workshops are an important resource to expand Neuroscience education and excellence throughout the continent.

Part 3: Two Decades of Advancements: The Evolving Landscape of Neuroscience Research in Africa. 

Speaker: Amadi Ihunwo (Johannesburg, South Africa) 

To be Provided later

Part 4: My African Journey on Teaching & Mentorship. 

Speaker: Martha Davila Garcia (Washington DC, United States) 

Neuroscience in Africa is going through a silent revolution lead by a highly motivated and well prepared generation of young investigators. These young neuroscientists are thirsty for knowledge. They are determined to seek every opportunity available to advance their careers. They work tirelessly to gain access to better resources and committed mentors. They are ready, prepared, full of energy, and only seek to participate as members of a Lab where they can offer their skills and knowledge. They should be invited to collaborate and work across the globe with the very best the international neuroscience community has to offer. It is time we give these young minds the opportunity to become the excellent neuroscientists they can be. It is time for action!