A conversation with the Aotearoa Brain Project on advancing global neuroscience collaboration

IBI Chair, Dr. Judy Illes, recently hosted a discussion with Drs. Peter Thorne and Cliff Abraham on the Aotearoa Brain Project’s role in global neuroscience collaboration. Dr. Thorne, a Professor of Audiology in the Department of Physiology and Audiology at the University of Auckland, and Dr. Abraham, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Otago, co-lead the Aotearoa Brain Project, alongside Dr Julie Wharewera-Mika, a Senior Clinical Psychologist and Kaupapa Māori researcher.

Overview of the Aotearoa Brain Project

Drs. Thorne and Abraham described the evolution of the project from a national Centre of Research Excellence focused on aging and brain health research into a broader network connecting the scientists, clinicians, and communities of Aotearoa, New Zealand. The Aotearoa Brain Project emerged to sustain these collaborations while supporting researchers across all career levels, and fostering engagement with Māori and Pacific communities. The name Aotearoa (the Māori name for New Zealand) reflects a commitment to culturally aligned brain health initiatives for Indigenous and Pacific peoples. A key goal is to ensure that research addresses the unique research interests and healthcare needs of these populations.

Global neuroscience collaboration

Drs. Thorne and Abraham emphasized that international collaboration is essential for advancing neuroscience, as no single country can achieve as much in isolation. The IBI plays a crucial role in fostering connections, not only through international meetings but also via year-round engagement.

From the Aotearoa Brain Project’s perspective, global partnerships provide a mutually beneficial exchange of expertise. Different countries bring unique insights into brain health, and this diversity strengthens research approaches. Drs. Thorne and Abraham highlighted the Aotearoa Brain Project’s strengths and contributions to the global community, particularly in Indigenous brain health research and community engagement, and innovative research approaches across the spectrum of neuroscience and brain health research.

Values and priorities in international engagement

The Aotearoa Brain Project aligns closely with the IBI’s values, prioritizing transdisciplinary collaboration, strong community engagement (e.g., people with lived experience), and Indigenous inclusion. The initiative is dedicated to promoting equitable brain health outcomes, strengthening research capacity, and supporting a skilled neuroscience workforce. Through the IBI, the Aotearoa Brain Project seeks to enhance and contribute to researcher training, ethical engagement, and cross-cultural neuroscience discussions, particularly within the IBI’s Crosscultural Working Group.

Future directions of the IBI, and the Aotearoa Brain Project’s role as the IBI expands its reach

Expressing gratitude for the IBI’s warm welcome, Drs. Thorne and Abraham sought insights into its future directions to better align their contributions.

Dr. Illes emphasized that the IBI is actively expanding participation and fostering broader engagement:

I would love to see every country that wishes to establish a cross-national initiative be able to secure government funding, with the IBI providing the gravitas and support to make that possible. I see the IBI as an empowering force for national initiatives to secure large-scale, country-wide efforts.

She highlighted that the IBI has evolved beyond Working Groups to include platforms and annual meetings. Moving forward, each initiative is expected to lead at least one major activity while engaging in broader collaborations and regular discussions.

Together with Co-chair Dr. Hannan, my role has been to build upon the strong foundation of the IBI’s first generation and bring it into a second generation—one with a new life, freshness, and precise goals, by: expanding the success of national and regional initiatives; increasing cross-national collaborations, and, establishing IBI Fellowships.

The discussion concluded with the consideration of a possible joint New Zealand–IBI Fellowship, further strengthening the partnership between the Aotearoa Brain Project and the IBI.

For more details on the Aotearoa Brain Project, please visit: https://www.aotearoabrainproject.nz/