A Nigerian physician-scientist has earned one of Yale University's competitive research honours, securing support that will advance his work on addressing disparities in addiction treatment through culturally responsive clinical research.
Dr. Oluwole Jegede, MD, MPH, PhD, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University, has been named a 2026 recipient of the Yale Physician Scientist Development Award, offered in collaboration with the Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI) Scholars Program.
The 24-month award is intended to help emerging physician-scientists establish independent research careers. Throughout the programme, Jegede will receive salary support that protects dedicated research time, enabling him to conduct studies, prepare findings for publication, pursue competitive grant funding and lay the groundwork for an independent research programme.
The award also carries academic responsibilities. Jegede will attend and submit abstracts to one or two regional or national Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) meetings each year, while participating in YCCI educational programmes, including Yale-Rockefeller Day, Robert S. Sherwin All Scholar Day and the Janeway Society Annual Retreat.
Supporting his development is a multidisciplinary team of mentors comprising Dr. Ismene Petrakis, Dr. Chyrell Bellamy, Dr. Brian Kiluk, Dr. Sara Becker of Northwestern University and Dr. Carla Rash of the University of Connecticut.
At the centre of Jegede's work is the development of a stakeholder-centred, culturally adapted contingency management (CM) intervention for adults living with stimulant use disorder involving cocaine and methamphetamine. The research is rooted in community engagement and culturally responsive intervention design, drawing on the perspectives of patients, families, clinicians and community members to refine the approach without compromising its established evidence-based foundations.
The more expansive objective is to strengthen participation in treatment, reduce persistent disparities in addiction care and advance equitable health outcomes for African American/Black adults and other historically underserved communities.
The appointment marks another important step in Jegede's academic journey as he works toward establishing an independent research programme. With sustained institutional support, experienced mentorship and a research agenda centred on culturally responsive addiction care, the Yale Physician Scientist Development Award provides the platform for work that seeks to improve treatment engagement, narrow disparities and expand equitable care for African American/Black adults and other historically underserved communities.
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