Charles Rotimi

American geneticist

Charles Rotimi in NHGRI's Oral History Collection

Charles N. Rotimi is a prominent geneticist known for his pioneering work in the field of genomics and its implications for health disparities among different ethnic groups. He is particularly recognized for his contributions to the understanding of the genetic diversity of African populations and the role of genetics in disease susceptibility.

Early Life and Education

Charles Rotimi was born in Nigeria, where he developed an early interest in science and medicine. He pursued his undergraduate studies in biochemistry at the University of Benin. Following his passion for genetics, he moved to the United States to further his education. He earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a PhD in epidemiology from the same institution.

Career

Rotimi's career has been marked by his dedication to understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases and the impact of genetic variation on health outcomes. He is a founding member of the African Society of Human Genetics and has played a crucial role in the Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3Africa) initiative, which aims to facilitate a contemporary research approach to the study of genomics and environmental determinants of common diseases with the goal of improving the health of African populations.

National Institutes of Health

At the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Rotimi serves as the Director of the Center for Research on Genomics and Global Health (CRGGH) at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI). His work at the NIH focuses on the integration of genomic research into public health strategies, particularly in relation to non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.

Research Contributions

Rotimi's research has significantly advanced the understanding of genetic diversity in African populations. His studies have highlighted the importance of including diverse populations in genomic research to ensure that the benefits of genomic medicine are equitably distributed. He has published extensively on the genetic epidemiology of complex diseases and has been a vocal advocate for the inclusion of African populations in global genomic studies.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Rotimi has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to science and public health. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has been recognized by various organizations for his efforts to address health disparities through genomic research.

Related Pages

• Genomics
• Human genome
• Health disparities
• African Society of Human Genetics
• National Human Genome Research Institute