Build neuroscience capacity in Africa

The commentary below was originally published in Nature.

The non-profit organization TReND is funding a neuroscience training initiative so that Africa’s scientists can join this rapidly evolving research field (see www.trendinafrica.org).

TReND (for ‘Teaching and Research in Neuroscience for Development’) is run by volunteer researchers at several universities worldwide. It organizes outreach courses and workshops for young African scientists on how to conduct quality, affordable neuroscience research in resource-limited settings. In 2010–14, more than 1,000 African students took part in TReND programmes.

The organization provides students with used lab equipment from universities, hospitals and companies in developed countries, as well as open-source software and hardware.

We call on industry and governments for more investment in such activities to improve science education and promote economic development in Africa.

Fanuel Muindi

Fanuel Muindi is a former neuroscientist turned civic science scholar-journalist and entrepreneur. He is a Professor of Practice in the College of Arts, Media, and Design at Northeastern University where he leads the Civic Science Media Lab. Dr. Muindi received his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and PhD in Organismal Biology from Morehouse College and Stanford University respectively. He completed his postdoctoral training at MIT.

• Fanuel Muindi

  https://civicsciencemedia.org/author/csmlabdirector/

  Visualizing Society for Science's STEM Action microgrants across the U.S. — Organizations in CA, TX, NY, FL, and MA are among the awardees
• Fanuel Muindi

  https://civicsciencemedia.org/author/csmlabdirector/

  Boston resident Kwasi Agbleke is working to expand access to biomedical research in Ghana and across Africa 
• Fanuel Muindi

  https://civicsciencemedia.org/author/csmlabdirector/

  Science communication in extended & virtual reality? Northeastern’s Eileen McGivney shares insights