CORE-MH: Strengthening Capacity for Research Excellence in African Mental Health

The Africa Global Mental Health Institute (AGMHI) is a collaborative network dedicated to advancing mental health (MH) research, education, clinical care, advocacy and policies across Africa. Through a pilot program launched in 2023, AGMHI has successfully provided mentorship, foundational research training, and professional growth opportunities to early career African MH researchers. The proposed CORE-MH program builds on this pilot, targeting predoctoral researchers needing foundational support to advance in low-resource settings.CORE-MH is structured around two tracks: 1) a two-year intensive fellowship offering individualised mentorship, practical research training, and flexible funding; and 2) broad-based professional development comprising a series of on-demand learning materials offered through AGMHI's resource hub.Led by Stellenbosch University and University of KwaZulu-Natal, CORE-MH includes five core components: 1) individualised mentorship; 2) fundamental research training; 3) biostatistics and epidemiology support; 4) neuroethics training; and 5) flexible funding for research projects, upskilling, and conferences. These components work together to strengthen research capabilities, academic skills, and career development.Expected outcomes include increased capacity to secure grant funding and conduct rigorous, independent research, career progression to doctoral programs or other leadership roles, and sustainably building a network of skilled MH researchers across Africa to promote equity in global MH science.