Parkinson’s disease (PD) represents a multidisciplinary health challenge as it involves the complexity of genetic and environmental interactions. Ongoing research on Parkinson’s disease in the African region is typically country-specific and mainly clinical-based. Translational research focusing on the genetics of Parkinson’s disease is gaining importance in some African countries but remains unexplored in the lower-income African countries. This school offers an opportunity for collaboration between basic neuroscientists, clinical neurologists, geneticists, and environmental health experts so as to foster a multidisciplinary approach in research and disease management for better health outcomes.
About the School
The low clarity on the extent of the burden and etiology of neurodegenerative diseases in Africa (especially Parkinson’s disease), coupled with a low understanding and research on neurodegenerative conditions, which could potentially offer solutions through cutting edge translational research, is limiting efforts to reduce and or address this overbearing and debilitating condition, especially in aging populations. African countries, including Kenya, have the clinical and research expertise, and the required infrastructure to support research in neurosciences, with a view to improve management and health outcomes on neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s.
It is important to inspire, motivate and mentor African researchers and clinicians educated at a higher levels both abroad and at home in Africa, who will then take up translational research and also go out to teach in high schools and universities. Since research in neuroscience is still at the “embryonic stage” in some African countries, it is our belief that by exposing more scholars and clinicians into this field through close interactions with global authorities in this field will grow a critical mass of researchers to take the lead in solving the disease burden in the continent. This school will encourage more neuroscience research, help build strong networks and propel future collaborations in this field between researchers in the African continent and those from Asia, America and Europe. This is of eminent importance to the IBRO mission in the ARC region.
We anticipate capacity building by means of knowledge sharing among European, Asian, American and African investigators, and by training young African researchers. Holding this event in Kenya will provide a perfect opportunity to gather scientists from all relevant sectors and engage the East African region, with the potential to develop regional African programs dedicated to a multidisciplinary approach for studying PD. The school will also integrate lectures on ethics in both clinical and basic neurobiology research.
Who should apply to this School?
Master and PhD Students, early career neuroscientists, clinicians and residents within the African region.
What costs will be covered for selected participants?
Travel, accommodation and local hospitality for selected students will be covered by the school. Visa fees and application should be covered by students. For locally selected students from Kenya, the school will provide local hospitality and accommodation without local travel cost.
Application dates:
May 30, 2022 – Jun 30, 2022 (5:00 p.m. CET)
School dates and location:
October 30 – November 4, 2022
Institute of Primate Research, Nairobi, Kenya (http://www.primateresearch.org/ )
Apply HERE
For any queries, please contact Prof. Ngalla Jillani at ngalla.jillani@gmail.com .