Nigeria should end dependence on foreign neuroscience research – NSN

Dr Angela Danborno, President of the Neuroscience Society of Nigeria (NSN), has called for the country to break free from reliance on foreign neuroscience research and develop its own capacity to address health and social challenges. She emphasized the importance of building a research system capable of producing solutions tailored to Nigeria's unique circumstances during the opening of the society's 23rd Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja, themed 'Neuroeducation and Neurotechnology'.

Danborno highlighted the rapid advancements in various neuroscience fields, including artificial intelligence, neurotechnology, neuroimaging, computational neuroscience, neurogenetics, brain-machine interfaces, and precision medicine. These developments are transforming the understanding of the human brain and creating new opportunities for researchers.

She noted that this presents both challenges and significant opportunities for Nigeria, urging the country to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of neuroscience.

The NSN conference aims to foster scientific exchange, research collaboration, mentorship, and professional networks among neuroscientists, while also creating opportunities for emerging researchers to advance their careers. Danborno stressed that the development of the next generation of scientists is a top priority during her tenure, with the introduction of travel awards to facilitate participation in international scientific engagements.

Beyond the research institutions, Danborno stressed the need to make neuroscience more accessible to the wider Nigerian public, particularly young people who can become the next generation of scientists. To achieve this, the society is strengthening its brain-awareness activities and introducing neuroscience to secondary school students through the Nigerian Brain B competition.

Danborno believes that greater public engagement will demystify neuroscience, stimulate scientific curiosity, and encourage young Nigerians to pursue careers in brain research.

The NSN president emphasized that the ultimate measure of their achievements will not be the number of conferences organized or awards given but the knowledge generated, the scientists inspired, and the lives improved through a better understanding of the human brain. She also reported improvements in conference registration and membership compliance while acknowledging the support from institutions and organizations contributing to the society's activities.