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The year has begun with strong momentum for the Brain and Mind Institute, with activities across our research programmes, community engagement and global collaboration. These efforts continue to reflect our commitment to advancing mental and brain health through research that is closely connected to communities and responsive to the realities of the regions where we work. |
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Inside Africa-FINGERS: A Q&A with Clinical Trial Manager Francis Angira |
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Clinical trials rely on careful coordination and rigorous attention to detail. At the Brain and Mind Institute, Clinical Trial Manager Francis Angira plays a key role in ensuring that the Africa-FINGERS trial runs smoothly across its sites in Africa.
With more than 20 years of experience managing complex clinical studies across Kenya and the wider region, Francis brings valuable expertise to the growing field of brain health research. In a Q&A (link at the bottom of the page), he reflects on his career journey, the day-to-day work behind running a multinational trial, and what excites him most about the potential impact of Africa-FINGERS. |
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African Brain Health Institute Launches to Strengthen Brain Health Leadership Across Africa
A new pan-African initiative is set to expand research and leadership in brain health across the continent. The African Brain Health Institute (ABHI), jointly hosted by the Brain and Mind Institute, the American University in Cairo and the University of Ibadan, brings together institutions and expertise to support a more coordinated and contextually grounded approach to brain health. The launch of ABHI comes at a time of growing recognition of the need for stronger capacity in brain health research and care across Africa. The initiative is designed to support collaboration across countries and disciplines, while creating opportunities for professionals to engage with the complex social, environmental, and biological factors that shape brain health. |
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| A Project Assistant guides participants during an AfriCAT youth workshop in Nairobi. |
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Co-creating Youth-friendly Mental Health Solutions in Africa
Young people are playing a central role in shaping a new digital mental health tool designed for use across Africa. In January 2025, the Brain and Mind Institute hosted a series of youth workshops in Nairobi as part of the AfriCAT (African Computerised Adaptive Test) project. Held on January 17 and 24, the workshops brought together young people aged 12–24 to share their experiences and ideas on what a youth-friendly mental health assessment tool should look like. |
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| Artists perform during a community engagement event in Kilifi, using art to raise awareness and challenge misconceptions around epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. |
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Art for Change: Improving Epilepsy and Parkinson’s Awareness in Kilifi
Misconceptions about neurological conditions remain widespread in many communities, where epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease are sometimes attributed to curses or demonic possession. These beliefs can delay treatment, isolate families, and prevent people from seeking care. To address these challenges, the Brain and Mind Institute in collaboration with Newcastle University researchers hosted a week-long community engagement in Kaloleni and Mariakani, Kilifi County, bringing together more than 450 participants, including county government representatives, Community Health Promoters (CHPs), neurological experts and people living with epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease. |
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| Dr Jasmit Shah, Data Scientist at the Brain and Mind Institute, presents findings from the Living Lab Project during a community dissemination forum in Kaloleni, Kilifi County. |
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Community Voices Inform Mental Health Research in Kilifi The Brain and Mind Institute recently hosted a community dissemination forum in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, bringing together community health promoters and healthcare workers to reflect on findings from two recent studies conducted through BMI’s Living Labs approach. More than a presentation of results, the forum created space for dialogue about what the evidence means for local action. The Living Labs framework places communities at the centre of research. Rather than conducting studies in isolation, researchers work alongside local stakeholders to identify priorities and co-create practical, culturally grounded solutions that respond to real needs. |
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| Dr Moses Kachama, Harvard/AKU-BMI Postdoctoral Fellow, sharing results from his project with the community. |
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Expanding Youth Mental Health Access Through Digital Platforms The Brain and Mind Institute convened community health promoters and healthcare workers in Kaloleni, Kilifi County, on February 12, 2026, to share findings from a new study examining whether digital platforms can effectively deliver mental health support to young people in Kenya. The research was conducted by Dr Moses Kachama as part of the Brain and Mind Institute’s Global Mental Health Postdoctoral Fellowship, a joint initiative with the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. The fellowship strengthens capacity in implementation science while supporting locally grounded research in low- and middle-income countries. |
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Advancing Brain Heath in a Changing Climate: The CliCBrain Initiative
CliCBrain is a global initiative led by Trinity College Dublin, bringing together 23 partners across 16 countries, including the Brain and Mind Institute, to explore how climate change and the exposome shape brain health across the life course. From extreme heat and pollution to urbanisation and inequality, these interconnected factors are increasingly linked to mental and neurological health risks, including dementia. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions under Horizon Europe, the project aims to generate new evidence and practical strategies to protect brain health, while informing policy and strengthening a global community of practice in this emerging field. |
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| | Over 29 Publications in the Last Quarter |
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| Authors: Alice Moraa, Benard Alaka, Caroline Kiio, Catherine Bikeri, Chinedu Udeh-Momoh, Cyprian Mostert, Edna Bosire, Harrison Kaleli, Jasmit Shah, Kendi Muchungi, Karen Blackmon, Levi Muyela, Litha Musila, Lucy Wambui, Lukoye Atwoli, Mary Bitta, Olivera Nesic-Taylor, Raechel Kamau, Rachel Maina, Wambui Karanja, Zul Merali |
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| Journals: Alzheimer’s & Dementia, BMC Psychiatry, BMJ Open, eBiomedicine, European Neuropsychopharmacology, Frontiers in Neurology, International Journal of Public Health, International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, JAMA Network, Journal of Kenya Association of Physicians, Nature Aging, NMC, PLOS One |
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Webinar The Mental Wellbeing of Healthcare Workers: What The Evidence Tells Us |
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| Wambui Karanja receives the AAIC ‘One to Watch’ Award, recognising emerging leaders in neuroscience. |
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Wambui Karanja Recognized as AAIC Neuroscience Next ‘One to Watch’
Wambui Karanja, Project Manager at the Brain and Mind Institute, has been named as one of the recipients of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) Neuroscience Next ‘One to Watch’ Award. This recognition highlights emerging leaders in neuroscience who are early-career professionals shaping the field through innovation, collaboration, communication and outreach. The award was announced during the AAIC Neuroscience Next event held on 26 February in Manchester, reflecting Wambui’s growing contribution to advancing brain health research and strengthening collaborative work across the Institute. |
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