Tuesday, April 1, 2025
4/1/2025
Building Brain Health Research Capacity in Rwanda: Neurocognition and Neurobehavior Across the Lifespan - PROJECT SUMMARY RATIONALE: Neurological and psychiatric disorders collectively account for approximately 28% of the global burden of disease, with the highest burden being found in low- and middle-income World Bank countries (LMICs) where there are enormous barriers to healthcare. In this setting, there is a dearth of clinicians and researchers trained in the neurosciences, limiting both access to care and research that could impact outcomes. OBJECTIVES: We propose the development of a brain health training program to increase expert brain health research capacity and to develop valid and culturally relevant instrumentation to objectively measure neurocognitive and neurobehavioral capacity. With this focus, we will create a cadre of neuroscientists having the capacity to conduct research across all major disorders impacting the central nervous system. TRAINING PROGRAM: We have brought together leading experts in the neurosciences from Africa (Uganda, Botswana, Congo, South Africa) and the US to create the Neurocognition and Neurobehavior EXperts and Iest Instrumentation (NEXT) program in Rwanda. The proposed training program involves academic instruction, practical laboratory experiences, and research criteria in three areas: brain health (functional neuroanatomy, assessment, neurodiagnostics, neurorehabilitation), research (research design, responsible conduct of research, neuroethics, statistics), and instrumentation (psychometrics). The NEXT program tracks include a 3-year doctoral-level PhD track (8 students), a 2-year Master's degree track (6 students), and a single course track (up to 80 students). Two trainees will be selected for an intensive post doctoral research fellowship at Emory University. RELEVANCE: The overarching intended outcome of this program is to create the foundation of a sustainable brain health program in Rwanda. This includes the introduction of a neuroscience-based academic track at the University of Rwanda and the creation of a cadre of regional experts to conduct independent research, mentor future clinician-scientists, and guide policy having brain health impacts.
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