AUC Launches a New Fellowship to Build African Expertise in Brain Health and Neuroscience

The American University in Cairo (AUC) is launching the African Brain Health Institute (ABHI) Fellowship Program, a new initiative designed to strengthen research and training in brain health across Africa. The program is a collaborative initiative with the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI) and will be jointly hosted at AUC and the Aga Khan University (AKU) in Kenya, creating one connected fellowship with two sites. Designed as a one-year program, it focuses on addressing neurological and mental health challenges in ways that reflect the continent’s cultural and social contexts. Applications for the first cohort are expected to open in November 2025, with a two-stage review process, and the program will officially start in September 2026. 

“The fellowship seeks to produce a cohort of African leaders to assess the specific brain science needs of people in the continent,” said Mohamed Salama, professor of global health and human ecology at AUC, who leads the initiative. “A program tailored to our needs will provide more support to African fellows since they will be trained on how to solve problems relevant to their region in a way that is less generalized.” 

Recent studies have shown that cross-disciplinary programs are essential to understanding the full scope of what the brain is capable of and how to keep it healthy. Cultural context has also been proven to have an impact on brain function. Unfortunately, Africa remains an understudied field in this regard, Salama explained. “The misconception that Africans are a ‘younger’ population has led to a gap in knowledge as to how aging African brains function. The African Brain Health Institute Fellowship Program seeks to close this gap by providing valuable insights on brain health within the African context,” said Salama.

Developed for early- and mid-career professionals in medicine, public health, neuroscience, and related disciplines, the fellowship combines academic coursework with applied research, mentorship, and field experience. Participants will explore topics such as neurodegenerative diseases, mental health resilience, and community-based approaches to care, with the goal of developing locally informed responses to growing public health concerns. Each of the two hosting universities – AUC and AKU - will have its own cohort of 15 students who will do both site-specific and cross-site research and coursework.  

AUC has existing brain science initiatives, such as the aging survey, the dementia registry and diversified research programs. Upcoming cohort members will be able to take advantage of AUC’s relationship with local clinics, regional mentors and locally based GBHI senior fellows. 

The program draws on AUC’s extensive partnerships with universities, hospitals, and research centers across Africa and internationally. These collaborations are intended to expand opportunities for joint research, data exchange, and professional training, while fostering an interdisciplinary network of scholars dedicated to advancing brain health on the continent.

By launching the African Brain Health Institute Fellowship, AUC reaffirms its commitment to advancing scientific research and education that address regional priorities and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.