Dr. Kafui Dzirasa on racism, inequality, and justice in biomedical research

In the wake of protests against police brutality and racial inequality the call for anti-racist action has rippled across the country. Duke neuroscientist Dr. Kafui Dzirasa, MD, PhD, has addressed this in his own field. In a series of articles published in Cell magazine, he discussed his experiences as a Black neuroscientist striving for success, the need to confront the impact of structural racism on biomedical research, and the benefits of inclusion and diversity in scientific research. 

This past month he has further expanded his personal statement on inequality in research funding to incorporate a video statement with prominent Black scientists and students. Features included individuals from across the country, including Dr. Sherilynn Black, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Medical Education and Assistant Vice Provost for Faculty advancement. Dr. Kafui, a K. Ranga Rama Krishnan Association Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, has set an example of how to come together to advocate for change both locally and on a national level. Read more on his work featured in Duke University School of Medicine here and watch his video here. Read his op-eds published in Cell here and here, and his articles published in The Hill and Neuron.