Discover the people, projects, and progress shaping brain health around the world.
2024–25 was a year of growth, creativity, and important transitions at the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI). Across our two sites at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and Trinity College Dublin (Trinity), and in partnership with alumni around the world, we advanced brain health equity through training, prevention, research, and advocacy.
Training and collaboration took place across our global network—from Leadership Week in Ghana and Ireland, to our Annual Conference in Peru, to alumni leadership development in London. Fellows and faculty also advanced regional partnerships, including new initiatives to strengthen dementia research and care in East Africa and South America.
Now spanning 48 countries, the Pilot Awards for Global Brain Health Leaders continue to support innovative projects—ranging from improving diagnosis and care to using the arts and technology to raise awareness and reduce stigma.
Fellows and faculty also published influential research, including studies highlighting young adulthood as a key stage for dementia prevention and showing how social and environmental inequalities shape brain aging. Creative projects flourished: Memories Unleashed and Fragments of Memories demonstrated the power of the arts to deepen empathy and inspire action, while Creative Brain Week expanded into new regions, further establishing itself as a global platform connecting brain science, creativity, and community.
At Trinity, a notable leadership succession took effect: Brian Lawlor welcomed Iracema Leroi as the new Site Director, effective January 2025. Iracema brings extensive clinical, research, and educational expertise to guide GBHI at Trinity into its next phase.
In June 2025, GBHI announced a new chapter in its evolution. While our sites at UCSF and Trinity now operate more independently, they remain united by a shared mission and values. This transition creates new opportunities for growth and ensures each site can build on its strengths while continuing to collaborate on global initiatives. We also extend our deep appreciation to the GBHI Governing Board, which completed its service after nearly a decade of dedicated guidance. Their leadership transformed a bold idea into a thriving global community. As part of this transition, new governing boards will be established at each site to continue providing local leadership and strategic oversight.
In September 2025, we welcomed our tenth cohort of Atlantic Fellows for Equity in Brain Health. With this milestone, our network has grown to more than 300 fellows and alumni from over 65 countries, who continue to apply their learning and leadership directly in their communities while staying connected through GBHI’s global network.
Together with our partners, alumni, and supporters, GBHI will continue to be a force for equity in brain health for years to come.
