Brain and neurological conditions are becoming more common across Africa, yet research in this area is still limited. To help address this gap, the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) at Aga Khan University held a practical training workshop on July 2 and 3, 2025, in Nairobi. The focus was on strengthening research skills in neuroimaging, wearable technology, and artificial intelligence.
The one-and-a-half-day workshop brought together staff from BMI, Haematology-Oncology, Clinical Research Unit (CRU), and the Radiology and Imaging Department. It provided participants with hands-on training to support current and future brain health research at the university.
Dr. Karen Blackmon, Consultant Neuropsychologist at BMI and lead facilitator, said the training was a step toward building stronger local expertise. “We are addressing a data gap that has kept Africa underrepresented in global brain science. Workshops like this are essential for building scientific equity and ensuring our research reflects the lived experiences of all populations,” she said.
The sessions combined short lectures, live demonstrations and practical exercises. Participants learned how to use MRI scan software to study brain structure. They also explored how wearable sensors and mobile-based assessments can help researchers gather real-time data on people’s health, mood, and behavior in their everyday environments.
Dr. Thomas Thesen, a cognitive neuroscientist and co-lead facilitator, emphasized the importance of local researchers having the confidence and skills to use these tools. “We want researchers here to be able to guide how these technologies are used in African contexts. The level of interest and engagement during the sessions was very encouraging, ” he said.
Wearable sensors, in particular, offer new ways to collect health data outside of hospitals and labs. They can help researchers reach people in remote or underserved areas and understand how everyday experiences affect brain health over time.
Dr. Benard Alaka, a postdoctoral fellow at BMI who led the session on wearables, explained how these tools are opening new possibilities.
“They allow us to meet people where they are. We can run studies in real-world settings and collect insights that are more accurate and relevant to the communities we serve.”
For many participants, the workshop provided a rare opportunity to move from theory to practice.
“It is one thing to learn about neuroimaging in class,” said Dr. Litha Musili, a research associate at BMI. “It is another to actually clean the data, run the analysis and understand what the results mean. This experience gave me the skills and confidence to support our research in a more meaningful way.”
The training reflects BMI’s commitment to growing local research capacity in neuroscience and mental health. As noncommunicable diseases continue to rise across the continent, investments in people and practical skills are essential. Through this and other initiatives, BMI is helping build a stronger foundation for African-led brain health research that can support well-being across the lifespan.
