Modern neuroscience uses mathematical models and artificial intelligence to understand brain function. AI offers tools that can help us better understand brain processes, and in turn,  studying the brain can lead to more efficient, brain-inspired AI systems  (Badrulhisham et al., 2024; Macpherson et al., 2021). Despite its contributions, Africa accounts for very little of global research in computational neuroscience. The NeuroAI workshop at the Deep Learning Indaba (DLI), the first of its kind, was introduced to address this gap. The workshop aimed to explore and grow interest in computational neuroscience within the African community. For the organisers, the workshop was not just an academic gathering, but a call to action to make sure Africa is not left behind in the NeuroAI revolution. 

Sparking Conversations and New Ideas

The workshop provided a unique platform for participants to explore NeuroAI by bringing together researchers from different sub-fields in neuroscience and AI. The lineup of speakers, including Abdel Mfougouon Njupoun (Université de Montréal), Dr. Kira Düsterwald (University College London), Devon Jarvis (University of Witwatersrand), and Dr. AZA Stephen Allsop (Yale University)  offered a comprehensive introduction to machine learning-inspired neuroscience, neural manifolds, and modelling neural responses across systems. In addition, a practical session on understanding patterns of activities in neural networks sparked conversation between our speakers and participants new to the field. The engagement during these sessions produced signals of NeuroAI interest among Africa’s emerging researchers.

Education and Opportunities: Building a Path Forward

One of the key goals of the workshop was to provide participants with a pathway to continue their exploration of NeuroAI. The workshop highlighted several opportunities such as the Simons Computational Neuroscience Imbizo and the Trend-CaMinA: Computational Neuroscience and Machine Learning in Africa Summer Schools for students to get involved.

Community and Networking: A Foundation for Collaboration 

Another highlight of the workshop was the emphasis on community building. Participants had the opportunity to network and form relationships that could be useful in their research. The workshop became a catalyst for conversations, bringing together AI researchers and neuroscientists who may not have crossed paths otherwise. 

Looking Ahead

The inaugural workshop showed  that African AI researchers are very keen on joining the field of NeuroAI. As the organisers plan to make the workshop an annual event, and build a community, the goal is clear: to ensure that Africa is not left behind in this burgeoning field of NeuroAI.

Signed

(Organisers)

Abdel Mfougouon Njupoun

Cyril Akafia

Gertrude Asumpaame Alayine

Samuel Mba

Email:dlineuroai@gmail.com