Characterizing ADHD in African children to better understand its biology
Official title: 1/3 Akili: Phenotypic and genetic characterization of ADHD in Kenya and South Africa
Funded at Broad Institute, INC. · NIH-11372136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study the genetics and detailed behavior of kids with ADHD in Kenya and South Africa to uncover biological clues and improve understanding of the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Broad Institute, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $646,978 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH132968-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and adolescents with a confirmed ADHD diagnosis and age- and ancestry-matched controls, ideally representing diverse African ancestry.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without ADHD or without interest in contributing genetic/phenotypic data would not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This project will collect behavioral, cognitive, and medical data from 6,000 children, including 4,000 with ADHD and 2,000 controls, plus DNA samples. Exome sequencing and genome-wide genotyping will be used to identify genetic factors related to ADHD. The study leverages African populations to find genetic variations not common in the U.S. and will share data and materials publicly to advance research for all communities. Although the work is based in the United States, it uses samples from East and Southern Africa to boost global knowledge and relevance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to more accurate diagnoses and someday personalized approaches for ADHD across diverse populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous ADHD genetic studies have grown substantially with international collaboration; this project adds unique African-ancestry data to expand understanding.
Where this research is happening
-
Broad Institute, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robinson, Elise B — Broad Institute, INC.
- Study coordinator: Robinson, Elise B
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.