The Brain and Mind Institute, in collaboration with Moi University-Indiana University Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience Centre, Ampath and the Kenya Society of Neuroscientists successfully hosted a two-day conference centered around neuroscience and brain health. The event, held at Aga Khan University, brought together a distinguished group of professionals and researchers in the field of neuroscience to explore the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities. The primary objective of the conference was to promote knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the advancement of neuroscience research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
By facilitating interactions between participants and experts in the field, the conference aimed to foster a spirit of engagement, discussion, and collaboration. The valuable insights gained from this event will shape future research and practice in the realm of neuroscience.
The conference drew a remarkable turnout, with over 80 participants representing diverse backgrounds from universities and institutions across Kenya and beyond including the University of Nairobi, Indiana University, Moi University, KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, and Pwani University. Among them was Ogola Martin, a 3rd-year Medical Psychology student at Moi University, who expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "It was an eye-opening experience for me, especially since I haven't studied the neuro-physiology unit yet. Today's conference has propelled me forward and highlighted the strong relationship between neuroscience and other disciplines such as medical psychology and research."
Stakeholders Forum Paves the Way for Future Actions
On the second day of the conference, a pivotal stakeholders' forum was held, gathering key players in neuroscience research and practice. During the forum, participants discussed the way forward, identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities within neuroscience research, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The forum established concrete paths and deliverables, including the formation of an overseeing body or consortium committed to collaboratively creating modules and providing further training across Kenya.
Dr. Samim Hasham, Associate Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Brain & Mind Institute emphasized the importance of such collaborations, stating, "This conference is taking place at a crucial juncture, where capacity-building in neurology and neuroscience is much needed in Kenya. At the Brain and Mind Institute, we are committed to forging partnerships with other institutions to drive progress in these fields."
The forum also explored opportunities for medical students and trainees to engage in projects and emphasized the importance of establishing a structured framework for student-led research initiatives. Furthermore, the forum underscored the significance of interfaculty exchanges to enhance collaboration and research output.
Collaborative Efforts and Promising Future Prospects
The conference exemplified the potential for fruitful collaboration among multiple institutions. These institutions expressed their commitment to partnering on research and training initiatives within the field of neuroscience. Dr. Megan McHenry, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Indiana University and the key organizer of the conference remarked that, "It was truly inspiring to witness the remarkable work being accomplished in neuroscience across Kenya, from clinical neurologists and neurosurgeons to basic science and pre-clinical animal models. The collaborative opportunities between AKU, University of Nairobi, Moi University, and KEMRI-Kilifi present countless prospects for advancing neuroscience in Kenya."
The conference marks a significant stride towards advancing neuroscience research and practice in Kenya, setting the stage for continued collaboration and impactful discoveries that will ultimately improve brain health and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals in the region. The collective efforts of AKU’s Brain and Mind Institute, Moi University, Indiana University, and other leading institutions involved have laid a solid foundation for ongoing collaborations, research endeavors, and training initiatives in neuroscience.
