A brain-behaviour initiative for South Africa: the time is right.
BACKGROUND
Many have advocated for science and health research in developing world settings. However, there has been less focus on the value of basic and clinical neuroscience research in this context. The current paper focuses on the relevance of a brain-behaviour research initiative in South Africa.


METHODS
Workshops sponsored by the University of Cape Town Research Office and by the National Research Foundation have recently focused on the state of South African basic and clinical neuroscience, and on how to strengthen research in these areas. The context of the discussion included national science and health priorities, as well as local research opportunities.


RESULTS
Neuropsychiatric disorders account for the second largest proportion of the burden of disease in South Africa, but receive relatively little research funding. There is a critical need for research, and there are unique research opportunities, in areas such as trauma and resilience, impulsive behaviour (eg violence, sexual risk taking, and substance abuse), and neuroAIDS. Basic, clinical, and systems research can all make important contributions.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a need to apprise policy-makers in developing world countries such as South Africa of the need for increased expenditure on basic and clinical neuroscience research. Local and international collaboration may be useful in increasing research capacity in South Africa, and ultimately in improving mental health services.
Stein
Dan J
DJ
University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
Daniels
Willie
W
Emsley
Robin
R
Harvey
Brian
B
Blackburn
Jonathan
J
Carey
Paul
P
Ellis
George
G
Illing
Nicola
N
Flisher
Alan
A
Moolman-Smook
Hanlie
H
Mwaba
Kelvin
K
Ramesar
Rajkumar
R
Russell
Vivienne
V
Seedat
Soraya
S
Tredoux
Colin
C
Vaughan
Christopher L
CL
Vythilingum
Bavanisha
B
Warwick
James
J
D008603:Mental Health; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology; D009488:Neurosciences / Q000193:education / Q000639:trends*; D011640:Public Policy; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012106:Research; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D013019:South Africa