17th International Conference of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa Marrakesh-Morocco April, 17-20, 2025

Title: Advancing Neuroscience Education in Africa through Capacity Building
Organizer: Sharon L. Juliano
USUHS, Bethesda, MD USA
email: sharon.juliano@usuhs.edu

Abstract:

Over the last decade, opportunities to study Neuroscience in Africa have improved. Several endeavors emerged on the continent, expanding the ability of African students to investigate this discipline. 1. As Neuroscience becomes more visible, very few programs in Africa offer comprehensive Neuroscience degrees. Dr Sadiq Yusuf established multiple University level curricula that offer such programs. He found that critical factors to establish these platforms include support from individual departments, faculty, and university leaders. Also crucial for success is an understanding of University regulations and the rationale underlying course content and objectives, principles of staffing, facilities, and finance. The advent of these programs represents an important resource to cement African Neuroscience excellence. 2. Dr. Mahmoud Bukar Maina and colleagues created BioRTC, a scientific institute with a Neuroscience emphasis. Through community engagement, stakeholder involvement, and strong collaborations, including significant contributions from TReND in Africa, Dr. Maina established a state-of-the-art facility. The support of TReND in acquiring equipment was pivotal, creating a hub capable of supporting a world-class Neuroscience research community. 3. Dr. Sharon Juliano and colleagues initiated the Teaching Tools Workshops in Africa (TTW), providing teaching skills and Neuroscience content to young faculty. The TTW offers modules that integrate seamlessly into various curricula, in part by reducing the overall complexity of this vital subject. Presented in 12 African countries, the TTW has reached over 400 attendees from 30 countries, indirectly benefiting over 10,000 students across Africa. 4. Dr. Royhaan Folarin emphasizes the role of SciComNigeria in bridging the gap between science and society in Nigeria. Established in 2018 by two Nigerians, SciComNigeria is a dynamic platform that promotes science communication and public engagement. Through workshops, webinars, competitions and outreach initiatives, SciComNigeria enhances scientific literacy and inspires the next generation of scientists. Its efforts are crucial in fostering a culture of science communication that empowers researchers and engages the public with the importance of scientific inquiry.

Speakers

Number	Speaker	e-mail	Title of  the communication
SP27_1	Sharon L. Juliano	sharon.juliano@usuhs.edu	Advancing Neuroscience Education in Africa through Capacity Building
SP27_2	Sadiq Yusuf	sadiqyus@gmail.com	Neuroscience Education and Research Capacity Building in Africa
SP27_3	Mahmoud Bukar Maina	M.Bukar-Maina@sussex.ac.uk	Advancing Neuroscience in Africa: The Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC) as a Model
SP27_4	Royhaan Folarin	royhaan.folarin@oouagoiwoye.edu.ng	SciComNigeria: Advancing Scientific Literacy and Empowering Future Generations in Nigeria.