Farrah Mateen Named Director of Northwestern's Global Neurology Centre

Northwestern University has appointed renowned neurologist Dr Farrah Mateen as the new director of its Centre for Global Neurology, marking a significant step in advancing global neurological research and healthcare partnerships. A leading expert in neuroimmunology and multiple sclerosis, Mateen will lead the centre’s efforts to raise awareness, advance research, enhance education, and improve clinical care for neurological disorders worldwide. Her appointment reflects the growing importance of addressing brain health challenges globally through collaboration, innovation, and policy development.

Dr Mateen currently serves as chief of the Division of Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology and holds the Dr Charles L. Mix Research Professorship of Neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. In her new role, she will oversee the Centre for Global Neurology, which operates under the Robert J. Havey, MD Institute for Global Health.

Key Highlights

• Dr Farrah Mateen appointed director of the Centre for Global Neurology
• Centre expands global neurological research across 18 countries
• Appointment strengthens international collaboration in brain health initiatives

Expressing her enthusiasm for the position, Mateen highlighted the urgent need to address neurological conditions worldwide. She emphasised that the centre has a responsibility to strengthen research, education, clinical practice, and policy initiatives that can improve the lives of people living with neurological disorders across different regions and healthcare systems. She also expressed her eagerness to build new partnerships and explore innovative approaches to global neurological care.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, Mateen has built an impressive academic and clinical career. She earned her medical degree from the University of Saskatchewan before completing advanced neurology training at the Mayo Clinic. She later undertook fellowships at Harvard University and The Johns Hopkins Hospital and earned a doctorate in International Health from Johns Hopkins University. Before joining Northwestern University in 2025, she spent more than a decade on the faculty of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Her professional experience extends well beyond academia. Throughout her career, Mateen has worked with several major international organisations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the World Health Organisation, and the Polio Eradication Initiative. Her work has taken her to more than 30 countries, where she has contributed to healthcare programmes, neurological research, and global health initiatives across a wide range of economic settings.

Mateen has also played a prominent leadership role within the neurology community. She previously chaired global health and ethics initiatives within leading neurological associations and has authored more than 100 academic publications focused on improving neurological disease research and patient care. In addition, she has mentored numerous students, trainees, and healthcare professionals throughout her career.

The Centre for Global Neurology has evolved from a smaller programme into a major international research and education hub. Today, it includes more than 10 faculty members and a broad network of residents, researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and staff working across 18 countries. The centre focuses on promoting lifelong brain health, increasing awareness of neurological disorders, and fostering sustainable partnerships between neurology and global health experts.