A conversation with Latin American Brain Initiative (LATBrain) on advancing global neuroscience collaboration
“We may have low resources, but we are strong people.”
-Dr. Luisa Rocha, LATBrain
IBI Chair, Dr. Judy Illes, recently hosted a discussion with Dr. Luisa Rocha on LATBrain’s role in global neuroscience collaboration. Dr. Rocha is Mexico’s official representative in LATBrain and is the general coordinator of the initiative. She is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacobiology at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (CINVESTAV) in Mexico City, Mexico.
Origins and evolution of LATBrain
Dr. Rocha shared that LATBrain was established in 2021 in response to the need for stronger regional collaboration among neuroscientists across Latin America. While the region produces high-quality neuroscience research, structural and political challenges often intersect its global impact. LATBrain emerged as a unifying platform to promote collaboration and strengthen the field within and outside the region.
One of LATBrain’s first major activities was a symposium in 2022 on the neurological impacts of COVID-19, in partnership with the University of Honduras. Broadcast across Latin America, the event caught the attention of both scientists and professionals working in brain health. Since then, LATBrain has organized annual international symposia, mostly focused on neurodegenerative diseases. Looking ahead, LATBrain will host its first summit in September 2025, with the IBI as a proud partner.
Vision for the future: LATBrain’s goals and IBI partnership
In 2023, LATBrain conducted a regional survey to assess the needs and challenges faced by neuroscience professionals in Latin America. The findings highlighted deep pride in the region’s scientific expertise, but also systemic obstacles, such as the lack of consistent national support for science, largely due to governmental instability.
Dr. Rocha emphasized that advocacy must go beyond the scientific community:
“We need scientists who not only work in labs, but who also speak directly to governments and the public about the importance of science.”
LATBrain aims to play a leadership role in science policy advocacy, public engagement, and neuroscience education. This includes highlighting Latin America’s historical contributions to neuroscience, such as Nobel prize winners from Argentina and unique regional knowledge.
Dr. Rocha described how the IBI can help support these goals:
“The only way to move forward is through collaboration, within and beyond our region.”
She also noted the value of highlighting Latin America’s niche contributions to neuroscience, such as animal models native to the region that offer unique insights into brain function and dysfunction. For example:
A species, Lama pacos (alpaca), in Peru that thrives at high altitudes, offering insight into hypoxic brain adaptation.
A rodent-like animal, Proechimys guyannensis, in the Amazon that appears naturally resistant to epilepsy, with a brain structure and receptor distribution unlike any other known species.
Regional challenges and the distinct nature of brain disorders in Latin America
Dr. Rocha noted that while the demographics for conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are similar across North and Latin America, the underlying risk factors differ. In Latin America, malnutrition, environmental contaminants, and mining-related exposure contribute to higher vulnerability. Genetic diversity also plays a role. In Mexico, for example, populations with mixed ancestry, including Indigenous, European, and Jewish heritage, present unique patterns in the prevalence of neurological disorders. Dr. Rocha referenced specific regions of Colombia where clusters of Alzheimer’s cases have a known genetic basis. Colombia is also one of the original sites where the Huntington’s disease gene was identified.
Strategic partnerships with IBRO, FENS, and other global networks
LATBrain’s strong partnership with IBRO (International Brain Research Organization) has been key in supporting young researchers in Latin America. Dr. Rocha highlighted IBRO’s programs that help early-career scientists return to the region to establish research careers.
“We consider the support of IBRO in Latin America as essential.”
She also spoke about the Federation of Neuroscience Societies of Latin America, founded in 2013, which has helped organize regional meetings and strengthen connections across countries, slowly but steadily.
Dr. Judy Illes added:
“The relationships with IBRO and FENS have been enormously beneficial for building our organizations. Through IBRO, I was part of the early leadership of what is now World Women in Neuroscience. It’s been a joy to mentor so many passionate young women from Latin America through that initiative.”
New opportunities for collaboration with Canada and the IBI
Dr. Rocha emphasized the need for deeper cross-national partnerships with Canada and other IBI member countries.
“We can build strong networks to investigate key brain science questions. Distance is no longer a barrier. If we can share data and collaborate through digital platforms, we can work from anywhere.”
She pointed to a successful model network organized by Dr. Pedro Valdés and noted the potential of expanding such efforts globally. Collaborations with institutions in countries like South Korea, which have advanced infrastructure but seek research partners, could be mutually beneficial. Dr. Rocha expressed hope that the IBI’s Global Exchange platform could facilitate these goals by connecting researchers, enabling data sharing, and supporting training opportunities.
“We may not have the highest-tech equipment, but we know how to adapt and innovate. That’s something we can teach young researchers.”
Closing reflections
Dr. Rocha concluded by emphasizing LATBrain’s commitment to raising awareness of the region’s contributions and needs, and to creating lasting collaborations that advance global brain health.
“I’m proud to be part of Latin America. We have a long-standing tradition of scientific inquiry. Our resources may be limited, but our intellect and creativity are strong. By combining that strength with the technological advances of other regions, we can transform neuroscience in Latin America.”