Deadline: 30-Sep-2026
The Dementia, Mental Health and Brain Ageing School is an in-person professional development programme in Nairobi, Kenya, designed for graduate students, early career researchers, fellows, and medical professionals across Africa. The programme provides advanced training in neurodegenerative disorders, dementia, mental health, and brain ageing, with accommodation, meals, local transportation, and school fees fully covered for selected participants.
The training aims to strengthen neuroscience research capacity across Africa by combining expert lectures, clinical case discussions, practical learning, and professional research skills development.
Dementia, Mental Health and Brain Ageing School Overview
The Dementia, Mental Health and Brain Ageing School is an intensive in-person training programme that supports the professional development of emerging neuroscience researchers and healthcare professionals across Africa.
Hosted in Nairobi, Kenya, the school brings together participants from biomedical and medical disciplines to deepen their knowledge of neurodegenerative diseases, dementia, mental health, and related neurological conditions.
The programme combines theoretical instruction with practical learning, clinical case studies, and research training to prepare participants for careers in neuroscience research and clinical practice.
Programme Objectives
The school aims to:
- Strengthen neuroscience research capacity across Africa.
- Improve knowledge of neurodegenerative disorders.
- Enhance understanding of dementia and brain ageing.
- Promote research in mental health.
- Develop practical clinical and laboratory skills.
- Support early career researchers through advanced professional training.
- Encourage collaboration among African neuroscience researchers.
Training Location
The programme will be held in:
- Nairobi, Kenya
It is delivered as a fully in-person training school, allowing participants to engage directly with faculty members, researchers, clinicians, and fellow participants.
Programme Curriculum
The curriculum covers both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases.
Major training topics include:
- Pathophysiology of common dementias
- Neuropathology of neurodegenerative diseases
- Brain ageing
- Mental health disorders
- Depressive illness
- Movement disorders
- Diseases of the eye
- Neurological conditions causing disability
- Diagnostic neurodegenerative pathology
- Digital pathology records
Participants will also explore current research methods and advances in neurological diagnosis and treatment.
Practical Learning Components
The programme combines classroom learning with practical training.
Participants will engage in:
- Clinical case discussions
- Experimental models
- Diagnostic pathology sessions
- Neuropsychological assessments
- Digital pathology interpretation
These activities help participants apply scientific knowledge to real clinical and research settings.
Professional Development Training
In addition to scientific instruction, participants receive training in essential research and academic skills.
Topics include:
- Research ethics
- Abstract writing
- Scientific communication
- Oral presentations
- Professional development skills
These sessions help participants strengthen their research careers and improve scientific dissemination.
Who Is Eligible?
The programme is open to applicants from across Africa.
Eligible applicants include:
- Assistant professors
- Lecturers
- Postdoctoral fellows
- PhD students
- Medical doctors
- Graduate students
- Early career researchers
Applicants should have a biomedical or medical background relevant to neuroscience, neurology, psychiatry, pathology, or related disciplines.
Priority for Selection
Priority will be given to applicants who:
- Have not previously attended an IBRO-supported school
- Demonstrate strong interest in neuroscience research
- Are committed to advancing research or clinical practice in Africa
Financial Support
Selected participants receive comprehensive financial support.
The programme covers:
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Local transportation
- School fees
This financial support helps ensure that qualified participants from across Africa can attend regardless of financial circumstances.
Why This Programme Matters
Neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders are becoming major public health challenges across Africa.
This programme contributes to:
- Building neuroscience expertise
- Improving dementia research
- Strengthening clinical knowledge
- Expanding research capacity
- Supporting future scientific leaders
- Encouraging regional collaboration
By investing in emerging researchers, the programme helps improve neurological research and healthcare across the continent.
How the Programme Works
Participants will complete an intensive in-person learning programme that combines lectures, practical sessions, and collaborative activities.
Training includes:
- Expert lectures
- Interactive discussions
- Clinical case analysis
- Laboratory-based learning
- Research ethics training
- Scientific writing workshops
- Presentation skills development
Participants will engage with experienced researchers, clinicians, and neuroscience specialists throughout the programme.
Benefits of Participating
Successful participants will gain:
- Advanced neuroscience knowledge
- Practical clinical experience
- Research skills
- Professional development training
- Networking opportunities with African researchers
- Exposure to leading experts in neurodegenerative disorders
- Enhanced career development opportunities
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting an Incomplete Application
Ensure all required documents are included before submission.
Providing a Weak Motivation Statement
Clearly explain your research interests and how the programme supports your career goals.
Ignoring Eligibility Requirements
Confirm that your academic background aligns with the programme focus.
Not Highlighting Relevant Experience
Include previous research, clinical work, publications, or neuroscience-related activities.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate your commitment to neuroscience research.
- Highlight experience in neurology, psychiatry, pathology, or biomedical sciences.
- Explain how the programme will strengthen your career.
- Describe your research interests clearly.
- Emphasise your commitment to improving neurological healthcare in Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Dementia, Mental Health and Brain Ageing School?
It is an advanced in-person neuroscience training programme for graduate students, researchers, and medical professionals across Africa.
2. Where will the programme take place?
The school will be held in Nairobi, Kenya.
3. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include graduate students, PhD students, postdoctoral fellows, assistant professors, lecturers, medical doctors, and early career researchers from Africa.
4. What subjects are covered?
The curriculum includes dementia, brain ageing, neurodegenerative diseases, neuropathology, mental health, movement disorders, research ethics, and scientific communication.
5. What expenses are covered?
Selected participants receive funding for accommodation, meals, local transportation, and school fees.
6. Who receives priority during selection?
Priority is given to applicants who have not previously attended an IBRO-supported school.
7. What are the main benefits of attending?
Participants gain advanced scientific knowledge, practical clinical experience, professional development skills, networking opportunities, and enhanced research capacity.
Conclusion
The Dementia, Mental Health and Brain Ageing School offers an excellent opportunity for graduate students, researchers, fellows, and medical professionals across Africa to strengthen their expertise in neuroscience and neurodegenerative disorders.
With fully funded participation, hands-on clinical learning, expert-led instruction, and professional development training, the programme helps build the next generation of African researchers and healthcare professionals working to address dementia, mental health, and brain ageing.
For more information, visit International Brain Research Organization.