An Intimate Journey with TReND in Africa to Empowering Neuroscience Research in Kenya

Greetings, my name is Violet Amondi , a passionate researcher immersed in the world of Psychology, presently serving as a research assistant at the NeuroEEG lab under the collaboration between Moi University and Indiana University Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience Centre. Today, I wish to recount my enriching and transformative journey with TReND in Africa, a commendable organization committed to unveiling the wonders of neuroscience and open science to numerous Africans.

My exploration into the offerings of TReND commenced when I chanced upon a LinkedIn post by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), advertising an advanced neuroscience workshop in the picturesque Cape Town. Fuelled by my unwavering thirst for scientific discovery, I seized the opportunity and was fortunate to be part of this paradigm-shifting experience.

Immersing in the intensive training, I plunged into the ocean of Open Science and neuroscience, amassing extensive knowledge of open hardware and software and learning to generate experimental reagents independently. My intellectual voyage further acquainted me with basic programming and pivotal data analysis techniques. The latter half of the workshop, an exhilarating hands-on experience with three model organisms: Drosophila, zebrafish, and C. elegans, unfolded the potential of these cost-effective and genetically accessible entities in neurobiology. My engagement with these organisms broadened my perspective and ignited a profound fascination for neuroscience.

Guided by my newfound passion for neuroscience, I sought the guidance of TReND’s alumni coordinator Artemis Koumoundourou , whose unwavering support and encouragement steered me towards applying for graduate schools in neuroscience worldwide. The mentorship I received has been an invaluable pillar in shaping my path toward neuroscience research. Upon my return to Kenya, brimming with knowledge and insights, I eagerly shared my newfound wisdom with my colleagues and supervisors, presenting a detailed report on the training and the potential impact of TReND on open science practices in Africa. The seeds of intrigue were sown, leading to heightened interest in TReND and its invaluable offerings.

To cultivate this budding interest, I facilitated a meeting between TReND and the faculty at the NeuroEEG lab. In May 2023, the NeuroEEG lab hosted an innovative pre-conference workshop on open science and neurophysiology, the first of its kind in Kenya. The ensuing discourse centered around potential collaborative initiatives, most notably hosting André Maia Chagas (TReND Open Science Coordinator)-who facilitated an open science workshop. The exhilaration was palpable, paving the way for a promising alliance.

The event brought together eager students and faculty from numerous universities nationwide, covering various subjects, from Python programming to behavioral and electrophysiological research techniques.The workshop was a resounding success and a significant landmark in Kenya's neuroscience research. It served as a bridge, connecting the worlds of neuroscience and open science, illuminating the path for conducting research with low-cost yet high-quality tools. The revolutionary potential of open science came to the fore, inspiring students and faculty to incorporate these principles in their research endeavors.

In retrospect, my journey with TReND in Africa has been an instrumental force in changing the neuroscience research landscape in Kenya. The training allowed me to uncover the essence of open science, delve into the potential of model organisms, and receive precious guidance for my prospective career. The collaborative workshop we hosted, facilitated by TReND, empowered neuroscientists with the principles and tools of open science. As we forge ahead, our vision is to revolutionize neuroscience research in Kenya and contribute significantly to the global scientific community.