The International Society for Neurochemistry-Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti Advanced School on Stroke Neurochemistry and Cerebrovascular Resilience has called for increased investment in neuroscience and cerebrovascular research across African institutions.
The ISN-ABUAD Advanced School, a collaboration between the ISN and ABUAD, also highlighted the importance of addressing “gaps in African brain data and developing research programmes to reflect the biological, environmental and healthcare realities of African populations.”
The Director of the ISN-ABUAD Advanced School 2026 and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Edem Edem, stated this in a communique issued on Monday at the close of the week-long Advanced School 2026, with the theme, ‘Stroke, Neurochemistry and Cerebrovascular Resilience,’ held at ABUAD.
Edem stated, “The school recommended increased investment in neuroscience and cerebrovascular research across African institutions and greater development of multidisciplinary and multicentre research collaborations.”
He added that the school also advocated strengthening laboratory and research infrastructure to support advanced neurochemical and cerebrovascular investigations, as well as increased generation and use of African-specific data in neuroscience and stroke research.
According to him, the advanced school also canvassed “continued promotion of clinically relevant research aimed at improving stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term resilience.”
While emphasising the need for research capacity development, the advanced school urged that “training in laboratory techniques, scientific communication, data interpretation, grant writing, research design and proposal development should continue to be strengthened for African postgraduate students and early-career researchers. Collaboration is essential for sustainable scientific advancement.”
Edem said participants, during the deliberations and scientific engagements, resolved that “stroke and cerebrovascular disorders require multidisciplinary investigation, incorporating neurochemistry, molecular biology, vascular biology, immunology, environmental science, pharmacology and clinical medicine.”
“African neuroscience research requires stronger locally generated evidence,” the participants stressed.
Edem said, “The school also recommended expansion of mentorship and capacity-building programmes for postgraduate students and early-career scientists, stronger integration of basic, translational and clinical research, and increased opportunities for scientific exchange between African researchers and international collaborators.
“The recommendations also included continued training in research methodology, statistical reasoning, scientific writing, grant development and responsible interpretation of scientific evidence, and development of research programmes addressing environmental, metabolic, inflammatory, infectious and lifestyle-related contributors to cerebrovascular disease.”
He said the school also noted that “greater integration between laboratory-based discoveries and clinical practice is essential for converting advances in neurochemistry into meaningful approaches to stroke prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.”
Edem said, “The school provided opportunities for interaction among participants and faculty from Nigeria and the international scientific community, creating avenues for future research partnerships and knowledge exchange. Young scientists should be actively supported.”
He said participants in the programme included a diverse community of postgraduate students, early-career researchers, academics, clinicians and other professionals from Southern, Eastern, Western and Central Africa, as well as seasoned faculty members and resource persons from Nigeria, Brazil, Germany, South Africa, Canada and the United States of America.
Credit: PUNCH
