DFG Neuroscience Initiative: Fostering African-German Collaboration for Inclusive Advancements in Brain Research

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), German Research Foundation, invites researchers from all African countries and Germany to partake in a significant scientific exchange in the field of neuroscience. This initiative encompasses a broad spectrum of research questions, covering basic, applied, and clinical topics. It is designed to facilitate collaboration, yet it explicitly excludes neglected tropical infectious diseases in humans and animals, along with their social and behavioral aspects.

Aim of the Initiative

The primary goal is for participating researchers to identify shared interests in neuroscience and cultivate novel collaborative ventures. The DFG aims to facilitate this exchange through a multi-step process:

1. Invitation to Submit Posters:

   • Researchers are invited to submit posters reflecting their profiles, expertise, and ideas for collaborative research projects. Posters should go beyond showcasing previous projects, emphasizing current research interests. Submission deadline: February 29, 2024.
   • DFG will screen posters for compliance and compile an exclusive poster book sent to peers with accepted posters. This platform will serve as the basis for subsequent collaboration.

2. Call for the Initiation of International Collaboration:

   • A subsequent call for DFG proposals aims to fund collaborative relationships between African and German researchers. The DFG can support bilateral or multilateral African/German researcher teams. Detailed information will be provided in a virtual meeting in June 2024. Proposals must be submitted in English by August 31, 2024.
   • Eligibility: Proposals must include a researcher from Germany and one from an African country, both having submitted accepted posters. Only German researchers fulfilling DFG eligibility requirements can submit proposals. Funds can be allocated to both German and African collaboration partners.

3. Forum Connect and Exchange:

   • Approved travel funds will enable project partners from African countries to participate in the “Forum Connect and Exchange” in Bonn from September 22–26, 2025. This forum, organized by the DFG, aims to facilitate networking and scientific exchange, gathering lessons learned from African and German collaborations.
   • Participation is limited to applicants from Germany and their collaboration partners from African countries with funding under the Initiative for International Collaboration.

Gender and Diversity

The DFG strongly encourages proposals from researchers of all genders, sexual identities, ethnicities, backgrounds, career stages, universities, and research institutions, including those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. This emphasis on diversity underscores the commitment to creating an inclusive and dynamic collaborative research environment.

Nurturing Scientific Excellence and Inclusivity: The DFG’s Neuroscience Initiative’s Impact on African Research and Collaboration

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft’s (DFG) initiative in neuroscience, with a focus on collaboration between African and German researchers, holds significant importance for the African continent.

1. Scientific Capacity Building:
   • The initiative provides a platform for African researchers to engage in cutting-edge neuroscience research, fostering capacity building and skill development.
   • Collaborative projects with German researchers offer opportunities for knowledge transfer and technology exchange, contributing to the advancement of neuroscience expertise in African countries.
2. International Collaboration and Networking:
   • The initiative encourages international collaboration, allowing African researchers to establish valuable connections with their German counterparts.
   • Networking opportunities, such as the “Forum Connect and Exchange,” enable African scientists to build relationships, exchange ideas, and participate in a global scientific community.
3. Research Visibility and Recognition:
   • By inviting researchers to submit posters and promoting collaboration, the initiative enhances the visibility of African researchers on the international stage.
   • Inclusion in the exclusive poster book and subsequent collaborative projects can lead to increased recognition of African scientists and their contributions to neuroscience.
4. Funding Opportunities:
   • The call for proposals provides a chance for African researchers to access funding from the DFG for collaborative projects. This financial support is crucial for the implementation of research initiatives and the development of sustainable partnerships.
5. Promoting Inclusive Research:
   • The DFG’s emphasis on diversity, including researchers of all genders, sexual identities, ethnicities, backgrounds, and abilities, aligns with the principles of inclusivity.
   • The commitment to inclusivity ensures that a broad range of perspectives and expertise are brought to neuroscience research, fostering a richer and more comprehensive scientific landscape.
6. Addressing Health Challenges:
   • While the initiative excludes neglected tropical infectious diseases, it still contributes to addressing health challenges by focusing on neuroscience. Understanding neurological disorders and brain-related issues is crucial for improving healthcare outcomes in Africa and globally.
7. Cultural and Social Impact:
   • The collaboration between African and German researchers promotes cultural exchange and understanding. This can lead to more culturally sensitive and context-specific research, addressing the social dimensions of neuroscience in diverse populations.
8. Long-Term Sustainability:
   • The initiative’s multi-step process, including poster submissions, proposal calls, and collaborative forums, indicates a commitment to long-term sustainability in research partnerships. This approach fosters enduring relationships and ongoing scientific collaboration.

In summary, the DFG’s neuroscience initiative offers African researchers a unique opportunity to participate in a global scientific community, enhance their research capabilities, and contribute to the advancement of neuroscience with a focus on inclusivity and diversity.

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