Engaging with local communities can demystify science research

A desire to be part of a field that not only seeks to treat symptoms, but also aims to understand and solve the root cause of neurological and behavioural disorders, led Dr Duyilemi Chris Ajonijebu to neuroscience. This benefits the entire population.

Since he was elected to the Africa Regional Committee (ARC) of the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), Ajonijebu has been able to make an even bigger impact.

His leadership roles, including co-chair of the scientific committee and member of the local organising committee for the 2024 Southern African Neuroscience Society (SANS) symposium, have honed his skills to organise, lead and advance neuroscience initiatives. These experiences prepared him to contribute meaningfully to the IBRO-ARC, where he hopes to promote impactful brain research and enhance Africa’s role in the global neuroscience community, Ajonijebu told University World News in an interview.

UWN: What can African universities and the continent’s neuroscience community look forward to during your tenure?

DCA: As part of this prestigious committee, I will work towards IBRO’s mission of advancing brain research worldwide and fostering international collaborations and knowledge exchange.

My involvement in the IBRO-ARC will allow me to leverage my experience, expertise, and extensive networks to advocate policy reforms and innovative solutions to address the gaps in neuroscience research and education across Africa. I am passionate about capacity-building, fostering alliances, and ensuring that neuroscience research in Africa receives the attention and resources it deserves. As a past IBRO awardee, this is a golden opportunity for me to plough back into the community that raised me while furthering the mission of an organisation that has invested in my career.

Together with my fellow committee members, we will prioritise capacity-building by promoting training opportunities and offer support for mentorship and career development programmes, with a particular focus on early-career neuroscience researchers. Additionally, we aim to drive research excellence by encouraging context-specific studies that address Africa’s unique health challenges, while advocating for greater inclusivity and diversity within the field.

UWN: What has been your experience, so far, in this position and are there any challenges or experiences you did not foresee?

DCA: Since assuming the position, I had the privilege of attending the 17th Conference of the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa (SONA) in April. This provided a valuable opportunity to network, and engage in person with fellow members of IBRO-ARC from across the continent, as well as with several members of the IBRO executive committee, many of whom travelled from outside Africa.

In addition, I have participated in various virtual board meetings focused on advancing neuroscience education in Africa, contributed to grant review processes, and have been involved in the nomination of renowned neuroscientists from across Africa to serve on the planning committee for the first-ever IBRO World Congress to be held on the African continent. I am pleased that this historic congress is scheduled to take place in Cape Town in 2027.

The primary challenge, so far, has been time management, which requires considerable adjustment to effectively balance academic responsibilities with committee commitments.

UWN: How did you choose this career path?

DCA: My path has been shaped by a profound interest in behavioural neuroscience and a commitment to advancing research that can positively impact individual lives and society at large.

My academic journey began with a strong foundation in physiological sciences, where I focused on the pathophysiology of acute pain using rodent models. My growing passion for understanding the brain’s complexities led me to pursue a PhD in physiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, where I characterised addiction-like behaviours in rodents and examined epigenetic changes linked to drug abuse. This research laid the foundation for understanding how environmental factors and drugs interact with the epigenome, influencing gene expression and, consequently, drug-related phenotypes.

In 2018, my commitment to research and significant contributions to neuroscience led to a postdoctoral position at the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine at the University of Cape Town. There, I had the opportunity to serve as a pioneering neuroscience researcher in the neuroimmunology and cognition unit, contributing to neuroimmunology research projects.

UWN: Why did you choose research instead of pursuing a medical career?

DCA: I chose a career in research instead of a medical career because of my deep fascination with understanding the underlying mechanisms of the brain and its intricate functions.

While medicine offers the opportunity to help individuals directly, I was drawn to the idea of contributing to a broader, long-term impact by uncovering the biological foundations of health and disease.

Neuroscience captivated me because it offers the potential to address complex, systemic issues that can affect the entire population. I wanted to be part of a field that, not only seeks to treat symptoms, but also aims to understand and solve the root cause of neurological and behavioural disorders.

Research allows me to explore these complexities in-depth, generate new knowledge, and develop interventions that could improve lives in ways that extend beyond individual patient care.

By focusing on fundamental research, I can contribute to the development of new treatments, technologies, and preventive measures that have a far-reaching impact on public health. I believe that, with neuroscience research, I can contribute to advancements that address the broader societal challenges related to brain health, especially in the context of Africa’s unique health needs.

UWN: How does your research on cannabis use disorder fit into the legislative framework some African countries, including South Africa, are putting in place?

DCA: The ongoing legalisation of cannabis has contributed to a decreased perception of its risks, leading to a rise in usage, despite significant evidence of the increasing public health burden of cannabis use disorder (CUD).

In response to this growing challenge, our research is focused on understanding the relationship between CUD and co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. Additionally, we are investigating the neuroplastic and epigenetic changes linked to these conditions, with the goal of uncovering their underlying mechanisms and identifying potential therapeutic targets to help address this critical issue.

UWN: What other harmful habits has society normalised?

DCA: Besides CUD, there are several other harmful habits that society has, to some extent, normalised. One notable example is excessive alcohol consumption. Despite the well-documented risks associated with heavy drinking, including liver disease, addiction, and impaired cognitive function, alcohol use is still widely accepted and often celebrated in social settings. This normalisation can contribute to patterns of binge drinking and long-term health issues.

Another example is smoking, particularly with the rise of e-cigarettes and vaping. While smoking traditional tobacco has seen a decline due to public health campaigns, vaping, and the use of e-cigarettes, often seen as safer alternatives, have gained popularity among younger populations. However, research is increasingly revealing their potential risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular damage.

Additionally, excessive screen time, particularly with smartphones and social media, has become a normalised habit that can have detrimental effects on mental health, including anxiety, depression and sleep disorders. The widespread use of digital devices has also led to issues such as addiction to social media, online gaming, and digital content, with negative impacts on attention, relationships, and overall well-being.

The normalisation of these habits often comes from their prevalence in daily life and social environments, which can make it harder to recognise the potential harm.

UWN: The revolution in neuroscience today is not happening in African laboratories? What must be done to change this?

DCA: A multifaceted approach is needed. This includes increased investment in research infrastructure, such as state-of-the-art laboratories and access to advanced technologies, alongside securing more funding from both governments and private sectors. Enhancing capacity-building programmes, offering specialised neuroscience education, and fostering international collaborations will help develop skilled researchers.

Governments must prioritise science and innovation through policy reforms, while public awareness campaigns can generate support for the field. By creating a supportive research environment, Africa can contribute significantly to global neuroscience advancements and address local health challenges.

UWN: Most African neuroscience research is conducted in South Africa. Why is it so and what can other countries in Africa learn from South Africa?

DCA: South Africa has relatively advanced research infrastructure, greater investment in scientific and medical research, and a long-standing tradition of academic excellence in the life sciences. The country is home to some of the continent’s top universities, research institutions, and medical schools, which have established strong collaborations with international partners, enabling access to cutting-edge technologies and funding.

Additionally, the country has a growing neuroscience community, supported by government initiatives, private-sector involvement, and international research networks.

Other African countries can learn from South Africa’s success by focusing on developing similar research infrastructure, fostering government and private-sector partnerships, and investing in training and capacity-building for local researchers. Promoting regional collaboration and knowledge-sharing can also help replicate South Africa’s model in other countries, enabling them to address their own public health challenges through neuroscience research.

Additionally, by aligning their research agendas with the unique health needs of their populations, other African countries can make valuable contributions to global neuroscience, as South Africa has done, while also addressing local neurological and mental health issues.

UWN: Are there any exciting or impactful findings coming from Africa?

DCA: Recent neuroscience research in Africa has led to several impactful findings, particularly in areas relevant to the continent’s unique health challenges. Notably, African researchers have made significant contributions to understanding HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, a condition affecting many individuals with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa. Studies have focused on neuroinflammation and the effects of antiretroviral therapy on the brain, providing insights into treatment strategies.

In addition, researchers have explored the genetic and environmental factors influencing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, identifying unique markers and responses in African populations.

Furthermore, research on drug abuse has gained traction, with studies investigating neuroplastic and epigenetic impacts in African contexts. There has also been important work on the intersection of neuroimmunology and brain health, especially regarding the effects of neuroinflammation in diseases like stroke and neurodegenerative conditions.

Additionally, research on mental health, particularly the role of epigenetics in conditions like depression and schizophrenia is contributing to a deeper understanding of these disorders in African populations. These findings reflect Africa’s growing role in global neuroscience, addressing both local health concerns and contributing to the broader scientific community.

UWN: You are a lecturer. What advice do you have for African universities based on your experience?

DCA: African universities should prioritise fostering a strong research culture by supporting faculty and students through mentorship, funding, and infrastructure development.

They should focus on addressing local challenges such as infectious diseases, mental health, and neurodegenerative conditions, while encouraging research that is both globally impactful and locally relevant. Promoting inclusivity, diversity, and leadership development within academic and research teams will drive innovation and ensure solutions are tailored to the diverse needs of the continent.

Additionally, engaging with local communities through outreach programmes can help demystify scientific research and inspire future generations of researchers, creating a sustainable and thriving academic ecosystem.