Growing Data science Research in Africa to Stimulate Progress (GRASP) program: Rationale and overview

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience and Public Health
• Data Science in Health Research
• Capacity Building in African Research

Background:

• Brain health is critical for overall well-being and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Africa faces a deficit in specialized training for brain health research, particularly concerning genetic, sociodemographic, and lifestyle factors.
• A need exists to build sustainable data science research capacity among African scholars.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the Growing Data-science Research in Africa to Stimulate Progress (GRASP) program.
• To enhance data science skills for exploring brain health determinants, including sociodemographic, dietary, lifestyle, cognitive, genomic, climate, and geographic data.
• To foster innovative solutions for brain health and combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Africa.

Main Methods:

• A three-year program integrating virtual training, a residency at the University of Ibadan, networking, and mentorship.
• Selection of ten African scholars from a multidisciplinary postgraduate pool.
• Focus on improving data science skills to analyze complex health determinants and cardiovascular risks.

Main Results:

• Ten scholars selected for the 2024 cycle, undergoing a nine-month Postgraduate Certificate program.
• Outstanding scholars participate in a 6-week residency, with ongoing assessment for three years post-completion.
• The program aims to build a sustainable system for innovative brain health solutions.

Conclusions:

• The GRASP program is designed to build sustainable data science research capacity in Africa.
• It aims to inspire innovative thinking and create transformative solutions for brain health and NCDs.
• Capacity building in data science research will re-orient understanding and approaches to combating NCDs in Africa.