UKZN Neuroscientists Named to IBRO 2027 Host Committee
The 12th International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) World Congress will be held in South Africa from 13 to 16 September 2027 for the first time more than six decades after the organisation was established and will feature UKZN academics.
IBRO’s flagship congress will be hosted in Cape Town, placing South Africa at the centre of the global neuroscience community for one of the field’s most prestigious scientific gatherings.
Held every four years, the IBRO World Congress brings together leading neuroscientists from around the world to share cutting-edge discoveries, foster international collaborations, and shape the future of brain research. As the global federation of neuroscience societies, IBRO is committed to advancing neuroscience through research, education, training, outreach, and capacity development across all world regions.
Reflecting UKZN’s growing contribution to the global neuroscience landscape, Professor Bonga Chiliza, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry, and Dr Zama Msibi, Neuroscientist and Lecturer in Human Physiology, have been appointed to the IBRO World Congress 2027 Regional Host Committee (RHC).
The committee will play a key role in planning and delivering this landmark event in partnership with the Southern African Neuroscience Society (SANS), the official Regional Host Society.
Chiliza is Editor-in-Chief of the South African Journal of Psychiatry, President of the African College of Neuropsychopharmacology (AfCNP), and Director of the Africa Global Mental Health Institute (AGMHI). He obtained his Medical degree and specialist qualification in Psychiatry from UKZN before completing his PhD at Stellenbosch University. His research focuses on psychosis, trauma, and global mental health, securing him numerous national and international research grants and several prestigious awards.
Msibi currently serves as Secretary General for SANS, having been appointed to the position in 2024. She obtained her PhD in Neuroscience (Physiology) from UKZN, where her research focused on nanotechnology-based gene therapy for Parkinsonism. Her research interests include Parkinson’s disease, gene therapy, neuro infections and cognitive decline across a range of neurological and mental health disorders. She is also a passionate advocate for brain health and mental health awareness, advancing neuroscience through research, teaching, and community engagement.
The appointment of Chiliza and Msibi to the Regional Host Committee underscores UKZN’s growing influence in neuroscience research and leadership while highlighting South Africa’s pivotal role in welcoming the global neuroscience community to Africa for this landmark congress in 2027.
In a joint statement, Chiliza and Msibi said: “Beyond delivering a successful World Congress, we aim to leave a lasting legacy for African neuroscience. We envision the Congress as a catalyst for strengthening brain health advocacy across the continent, expanding opportunities for training and mentorship of early-career scientists and clinicians, fostering sustainable international collaborations, and building the capacity needed to address Africa’s growing neurological and mental health challenges.”
For more information about the IBRO World Congress 2027, including registration, scientific programme updates and opportunities to participate, visit the official IBRO World Congress website.
Words: Lunga Memela
Photographs: Supplied
