Improving brain health research and training in Rwanda.
Official title: Building Brain Health Research Capacity in Rwanda: Neurocognition and Neurobehavior Across the Lifespan
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11087640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping doctors and researchers in Rwanda learn more about brain health so they can better understand and treat conditions that affect how we think and behave, using tools that fit their culture.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 3, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $245,424 |
| NIH project number | 5D43TW012457-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087640 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit include individuals in Rwanda experiencing neurological or psychiatric disorders, as well as healthcare professionals seeking training in these areas.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of Rwanda or those not affected by neurological or psychiatric disorders may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance brain health research capacity in Rwanda by developing a training program for clinicians and researchers in the neurosciences. It focuses on creating culturally relevant tools to measure neurocognitive and neurobehavioral health across various disorders. The program will include academic instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and research training in key areas such as neuroanatomy, neurodiagnostics, and psychometrics. By building local expertise, the project seeks to address significant barriers to healthcare access in low- and middle-income countries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders in Rwanda and similar regions.
How similar studies have gone: Similar initiatives in other low- and middle-income countries have shown promise in building local research capacity and improving health outcomes, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koltai, Deborah C — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Koltai, Deborah C
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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.