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 ethnographer. He is a professor of the practice in the Department of Communication Studies within 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.