Local capacity meets global collaboration: Neuroscience Capacity Accelerator for Mental Health (NCAMH)

About the Program

Commissioned by Wellcome and delivered by the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO), the Neuroscience Capacity Accelerator for Mental Health (NCAMH) supports high-impact collaborative mental health research led by principal investigators based in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC). NCAMH facilitates the generation of pilot data, the inclusion of Lived Experience (LE) perspectives into scientific research and practice, and builds sustainable capacity through structured training.

Research Funding and Global Reach

Grounded in the belief that global and interdisciplinary research is key to advancing neuroscience and mental health research, NCAMH provides up to $60,000 in funding for LMIC-led collaborative research projects that drive progress in basic and/or translational research on anxiety, depression and/or psychosis.

The NCAMH program received strong global interest, with 383 applications submitted across three editions. All submissions underwent a peer-reviewed evaluation process based on scientific merit, capacity-building potential, commitment to mutual collaboration and LE inclusion. As a result, 33 outstanding projects were selected to participate in the program. The three cohorts comprise 81 participants in total, with 23 interregional, four international, and six national collaborations, involving project leaders from 18 different LMICs and collaborators from 23 countries worldwide.

Capacity Building for Sustainable Research

NCAMH’s transformative power lies in its holistic approach. The program includes a dedicated capacity accelerator program that prioritizes the continuous development of grantees’ skills, enhancing their ability to conduct impactful and high-quality research.

To date, the NCAMH cohorts have participated in over 75 hours of training delivered by over 20 expert speakers from diverse geographic, disciplinary, and professional backgrounds. These activities included in-person seminars, virtual workshops, and interactive webinars, covering topics including science communication, grant writing and management, data management, modern leadership, funder perspectives, and the value of lived experience and global collaboration in research.

Lived Experience Integration

Lived Experience perspectives are embedded across all stages of NCAMH - from program conceptualization and governance (through the Scientific Advisory Board and Evaluation Committee) to the development and delivery of professional training activities. By actively mapping and engaging a global network of LE experts, NCAMH stands as a practical example of how meaningful LE inclusion can enhance both the relevance and impact of neuroscience and mental health research.

Sustainable Impact

By accelerating neuroscience and mental health research capacity in LMICs, NCAMH is strengthening the foundations for sustainable, high-quality mental health research by clearly demonstrating that international collaboration can foster meaningful progress. By uniting global expertise and resources, the program effectively empowers scientists to develop locally and globally relevant evidence-based solutions to mental health challenges.

To strengthen the lasting impact of the network established across these cohorts, a major convening of all NCAMH participants will take place at the IBRO World Congress in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2027.

Keywords: neuroscience, mental health, research funding, capacity-building, lived experience

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