The African Brain and Cognitive Development (AfriBCD) Network: A step towards better representation of neurocognition research in Africa

Poster Session F - Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 8:00 – 10:00 am EDT, Sheraton Hall ABC
Also presenting in Data Blitz Session 4 - Saturday, April 13, 2024, 1:00 – 2:30 pm EDT, Sheraton Hall EF.

Anna Blumenthal¹ (anna.blumenthal@cervo.ulaval.ca), Taeko Bourque², Chika Ezeugwu³, Adebunmi Oyekola⁴, Bosiljka Milosavljevic⁶, Sarah Lloyd-Fox³, Caylee Cook⁵, Catherine Draper⁵, Isabelle Blanchette¹, Erfan Ghalibaf⁷, Eunice Ndyareeba Murokore⁸; ¹Université Laval & Cervo Brain Research Center, ²Carleton University, ³University of Cambridge, ⁴University of Ibadan, ⁵University of the Witwatersrand, ⁶Queen Mary University of London, ⁷Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, ⁸Kyambogo University, Uganda & Kabale University, Uganda

Our understanding of neurocognition is incomplete, as most research has been conducted in minority world settings where only 15% of the world’s population live (Draper et al., 2022). As such, cognitive neuroscience needs stronger representation from more diverse populations around the world. AfriBCD is a network (currently 131 members) aimed at bringing together researchers and partners who are interested in neurocognition in Africa across the lifespan. Drawing on the views of network members - who represent Africa (17 countries) and other international countries working with African partners (10 countries), a survey was conducted to understand the challenges and potential solutions for catalyzing neurocognition work in Africa. The highest rated challenges include (i) translation and contextualization of measures and tools, (ii) networking to build career path, and (iii) capacity building, infrastructure, and sustainability for more diverse work contexts. Recommendations for addressing these challenges include (i) investing in building respectful partnerships through allocating adequate time/funds, developing project ideas before the start of the project and maintaining long term relationships, (ii) increasing knowledge of networking opportunities that cross borders and create partnerships (i.e. through online networks like AfriBCD) and (iii) funding for early career researchers 1 -2 years post PhD or following a career break. A further twelve solutions were also proposed and will be discussed in this presentation. The key to the AfriBCD Network is co-creation and collaboration. We invite researchers and partners from Africa and around the world to partner with us in this endeavor.

Topic Area: OTHER