Global Neurology Perspectives: Building Sustainable International Collaborations*
Date: October 19, 2026
Time: 7:00 am to 8:30 am
Room: Coral 1
Track: Professional Development Workshop - Early Career Level
Session Description
Global collaboration in neurology is essential to advancing research, education, and patient care worldwide. This panel will bring together neurologists engaged in international research, training, and capacity-building to explore how to develop equitable and sustainable partnerships. Speakers will share practical examples from multi-country research networks and educational programs, highlighting key structural and ethical considerations for long-term success. Attendees will gain strategies for designing sustainable initiatives, navigating funding and institutional challenges, and fostering meaningful bidirectional exchange.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Describe approaches to building equitable, sustainable global neurology partnerships.
- Identify strategies for designing and implementing collaborative projects across diverse settings.
- Recognize structural and ethical considerations that support long-term, bidirectional collaboration.
Speakers
- (Chair) Katherine Carroll, MD
- (Co-Chair) Farrah Mateen, MD, PhD, FANA
- (Speaker) Avindra Nath, MD, FANA
- (Speaker) Rajarshi Mazumder, MD, MPH
- (Speaker) Felicia Chow, MD, MAS, FANA
- (Speaker) David Bearden, MD, MSCE
Neuropathology, Biobanking and Bioassays in Global Neurology Research
Description
Access to biospecimens is essential for advancing our understanding of the etiology and pathophysiology of neurological diseases, particularly in settings where neuroimaging and other diagnostic resources may be limited. However, collecting, processing, storing, and transporting biospecimens presents significant cultural, logistical, regulatory, and infrastructure challenges that can limit their availability for research.
This presentation will examine the challenges and opportunities associated with biospecimen collection and research in resource-limited settings. Participants will explore considerations related to the collection of cerebrospinal fluid and autopsy tissue, including cultural barriers, access to appropriate personal protective equipment and specialized equipment, and the infrastructure and expertise required for specimen processing and storage. The session will also address regulatory and logistical considerations for transporting specimens across international borders and discuss the potential benefits of developing local capacity to conduct bioassays in the settings where specimens are collected. Finally, the presentation will consider the importance of preparedness, infrastructure, and international agreements in enabling rapid investigation of neurological diseases, outbreaks, and future pandemics.
Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of the critical role of biospecimens in neurological research and the practical challenges associated with their collection and use in diverse global settings. They will gain insights into strategies for strengthening local research capacity, navigating regulatory and logistical barriers, and developing sustainable international collaborations that support timely investigation of neurological diseases and emerging public health threats.
Strengthening UCLA–Uganda Global Health Collaboration Through the NIH Fogarty Career Development Award
Description
Sustainable global health partnerships are essential for advancing neurological research, improving clinical care, and building research capacity in resource-constrained settings. Career development programs such as the NIH Fogarty Career Development Award provide an important framework for establishing equitable international collaborations that foster scientific innovation, bidirectional mentorship, and long-term institutional partnerships.
This presentation will explore how an NIH Fogarty Career Development Award has supported the development of an enduring collaboration between UCLA and partners in Uganda focused on epilepsy research and care. Participants will review lessons learned from longitudinal community-based studies of nodding syndrome and other onchocerciasis-associated epilepsies while examining emerging initiatives to structure pediatric epilepsy data and develop transparent clinical decision-support tools for resource-limited settings. Topics will also include practical strategies for aligning research priorities with locally identified needs, strengthening institutional partnerships, promoting bidirectional mentorship, and planning for sustainability beyond the duration of an individual grant.
Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of the principles that underpin successful global neurology collaborations and practical insights into developing equitable, sustainable international partnerships that advance research, education, and clinical care in resource-constrained settings.
Building International Partnerships for Neurology Training and Research in Neurological Infections
Description
International partnerships are fundamental to advancing global neurology by strengthening research capacity, expanding training opportunities, and improving care for neurological diseases across diverse healthcare settings. Successful collaborations are built on principles of equity, bidirectional learning, and shared leadership that foster sustainable scientific and educational partnerships.
This presentation will explore how international collaborations support neurology training and research in neurological infections. Participants will learn about ENLIGHTEN, a T32 fellowship designed to prepare trainees for careers in global and local health equity research through bidirectional collaboration and capacity building. Topics will also include the implementation of multinational clinical trials in neuroinfectious diseases, including tuberculous meningitis, highlighting practical approaches to shared clinical protocols, coordinated management across international sites, and the use of collaborative research infrastructure. Particular emphasis will be placed on the structural elements that sustain successful partnerships, including equitable resource allocation, shared decision-making, and long-term institutional commitment.
Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of the principles that support effective international collaborations and practical strategiesfor developing sustainable partnerships that advance neurology training, research, and capacity building in the field of neurological infections.
Collaborating Globally for Pediatric Neurology
Description
Global collaboration is essential to advancing pediatric neurology care, research, and education, particularly in regions where access to specialized neurological services remains limited. By fostering international partnerships, clinicians and researchers can address shared challenges, strengthen local capacity, and improve outcomes for children with neurological disorders.
This presentation will highlight collaborative work in pediatric neurology across Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Liberia, with a focus on infectious diseases and neurogenetics. Through examples of multidisciplinary partnerships, attendees will learn how international collaborations have supported research, clinical care, workforce development, and knowledge exchange to address complex pediatric neurological conditions in resource-diverse settings.
Participants will gain insight into the opportunities and challenges of conducting global pediatric neurology initiatives and discover strategies for developing meaningful international collaborations that advance research, education, and patient care.
