Bridging the gap: Introducing neuroscience to Ghana

Abstract

How Biochemical Society-funded outreach activities have motivated students in Ghana to pursue molecular bioscience careers.

Neuroscience-related research in Ghana: a systematic evaluation of direction and capacity

“…Investment in neuroscience education and research is therefore likely to make enormous contributions to building better societies through improved understanding of how the brain works and the application of this knowledge to improve service delivery (Karikari et al 2015a ; Yusuf et al 2014 ). However, neuroscience attracts relatively low interests from Ghanaian students and scientists, leading to a disparity in research output between Ghana and other countries (Karikari et al 2015a , b ). This apparent lack of interest is mostly due to challenges such as the lack of research funding, inadequate research infrastructure as well as the lack of degree programmes to prepare students for careers in neuroscience (Karikari et al 2015a , b ).…”

“…However, neuroscience attracts relatively low interests from Ghanaian students and scientists, leading to a disparity in research output between Ghana and other countries (Karikari et al 2015a , b ). This apparent lack of interest is mostly due to challenges such as the lack of research funding, inadequate research infrastructure as well as the lack of degree programmes to prepare students for careers in neuroscience (Karikari et al 2015a , b ). Difficulties in accessing well-resourced neuroscience research facilities in the country may also contribute to the low availability of molecular and genetic studies into neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases.…”

“…Difficulties in accessing well-resourced neuroscience research facilities in the country may also contribute to the low availability of molecular and genetic studies into neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. Additionally, the dearth of resident neuroscientists plays a major role in the absence of neuroscience degree programmes in the country, due to the unavailability of experts required to provide world-class student training in this area (Karikari et al 2015a , b ). In order to attract more researchers and students into neuroscience in Ghana, the development of strategies aimed at addressing the infrastructural, training and funding issues will be essential (Karikari 2015a ; Karikari et al 2015a ).…”

“…Although there are dozens of registered higher education institutions in Ghana, there is no degree programme in neuroscience offered in the country at the moment (Karikari et al 2015a , b ; Karikari and Quansah 2015 ). This negatively affects the supply of scientists and clinicians with appropriate training in neuroscience to help improve biomedical research and healthcare delivery in the country (Karikari et al 2015a ; Karikari and Aleksic 2015 ).…”

Neurogenomics: Challenges and opportunities for Ghana

“…To ensure the sustainable supply of scientists with expertise in the design, implementation, analysis and reporting of neuroscience and genomic research, degree programmes that provide top-notch training in these areas are needed ( Karikari, T.K., 2015a , Karikari, T.K., et al, 2015a ). In Ghana, degree programmes in neuroscience, genome science, bioinformatics and computational biology (training in bioinformatics and computational biology is required for genomic data analysis and the development of computational tools and methods for this analysis) are nonexistent ( Karikari, T.K., 2015a , Karikari, T.K., et al, 2015a , Karikari, T.K., et al, 2015b ). This means that there is currently no local opportunity for students who are interested in these areas to pursue their dreams.…”