Emerging leaders unite across disciplines and regions to advance brain health equity.
In a world increasingly threatened by brain health disparities, a new cohort of visionary leaders has united to champion equity and innovation through the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI). This distinguished group is driven by a commitment to protect the world’s population from the growing threats to brain health.
Representing 24 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Oceania, and encompassing fields such as the arts, medicine, cognitive science, and public health, the 34 Atlantic Fellows for 2024–25 bring a rich diversity of backgrounds, expertise, and life experiences.
Meet the 2024–25 Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health
“We are delighted and excited to welcome our new cohort of fellows to Dublin and San Francisco and look forward to working with them as they begin their brain health equity journey with us," said Brian Lawlor, Site Director, GBHI, Trinity College Dublin (Trinity).
The incoming cohort expands the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program's geographic footprint to include eight new countries: Cameroon, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, New Zealand, the United Republic of Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, and Uganda. The program now totals 266 fellows—current and alumni—from 62 countries across the globe.
Through their work, Atlantic Fellows address both local and global disparities in brain health and dementia through education, policy, advocacy, and evidence-based interventions, aiming to enhance the lives of people affected by dementia. What makes the Atlantic Fellows program unique is its commitment to merging science, art, and creativity, fostering an environment where diverse perspectives drive innovative solutions to global brain health challenges.
“As we welcome this extraordinary cohort from across the globe, we recognize the power of diversity,” said Victor Valcour, Site Director, GBHI, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). “Each fellow’s unique perspective will drive transformative changes in brain health equity, both locally and globally.”
According to the World Health Organization, as of 2023, there were over 55 million people globally living with dementia, with the majority residing in low- and middle-income countries. Dementia is exacerbated by socio-economic disparities and influenced by the same social determinants that impact physical health. While there is currently no cure or effective treatment for dementia, more than 40% of cases may be preventable through public health measures and lifestyle interventions.
Since its inception in 2016, the Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program has provided innovative training, networking, and support to a global community of emerging interprofessional leaders in brain health and dementia prevention through its 12-month residential program at its founding sites—UCSF and Trinity—and beyond. Upon completion of their training, fellows join a dynamic, lifelong community spanning seven Atlantic Fellows programs, dedicated to advancing fairer, healthier, and more inclusive societies.
Are you ready to join a global movement to reshape the future of brain health? Applications for the 2025–2026 Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health program are open until September 20, 2024.
