The launch of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Discovery Neuroscience in Children: Advancing Understanding and Treatment of Acute Brain Conditions research unit marks a significant new chapter for the African Brain Child (ABC) research group. The Discovery in Neuroscience EMU is dedicated to improving the brain health of children. Professor Nicola Mulder will lead the SAMRC/UCT AI for African Population Health Research Unit, which aims to harness artificial intelligence to transform public health insights and interventions. Working across UCT’s Neuroscience Institute and Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital, African Brain Child has developed internationally recognised research spanning traumatic brain injury, brain infections, hydrocephalus, epilepsy and brain tumours. Together, these achievements laid the foundation for the Discovery Neuroscience in Children Research Unit.