Strengthen research capability through training, mentorship and collaboration. We aim to support researchers at different career stages, particularly early career researchers, and improve access to methods and expertise that enable African researchers to lead and sustain research in this field.
Building an African network for gut immune brain axis research
GIBA-A connects researchers and partners across Africa to advance understanding of how the gut, immune system and brain interact throughout life. Together, we aim to strengthen African research leadership and generate knowledge that can inform better physical, cognitive and mental health
Gut-Immune-Brain Axis Africa (GIBA-A)
We are building an interdisciplinary African research community to advance mechanistic understanding of the gut-immune-brain axis and its relevance to health across the life course. We are also linking GIBA-A with GIBA-UK to form a wider international research community. By bringing together complementary expertise across Africa and the UK, we aim to develop joint research, strengthen training and knowledge exchange, and ensure that African perspectives and priorities help shape our shared research agenda.
755
Members
170
Institutions
170
Trained
About us
Research into the gut-immune-brain axis examines how the gut, immune system and brain interact and what these relationships mean for human development, health and ageing. GIBA-A brings an African focus to this field, with African researchers and institutions shaping the questions and leading discovery.
By connecting expertise across disciplines, we aim to understand these biological pathways and how they may be influenced by diet, lifestyle and environment. Our goal is to generate knowledge relevant to African populations that can inform approaches to improving health throughout life.
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Our network
GIBA-A is building connections across African countries and institutions to support collaborative research and knowledge exchange. We aim to bring together researchers, clinicians and other partners working across microbiome science, immunology, neuroscience, nutrition and population health.
Our network welcomes members based in Africa and international partners who share our commitment to strengthening African research. By connecting people and expertise, we aim to develop joint studies, share methods and build lasting research partnerships.
Our mission
Concept
Build an African hub for gut-immune-brain axis research, connecting researchers and partners across disciplines and countries. By bringing together complementary expertise, we aim to develop research questions relevant to African populations and strengthen understanding of these interconnected systems.
Knowledge creation
Create opportunities for collaborative research and knowledge exchange. Working with communities and other partners, we aim to identify shared priorities, develop approaches suited to African settings and generate evidence that advances mechanistic understanding of the gut-immune-brain axis.
Skills development
Wide reaching impact
Help translate scientific knowledge into benefits for physical, cognitive and mental health. Through engagement with communities, healthcare professionals, policymakers and industry, we aim to ensure research reflects African priorities and can inform prevention, care and future innovation.
