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Valdez J, Damasceno G, Oh RRY, Quintero Uribe LC, Barajas Barbosa MP, Amado TF, Schmidt C, Fernandez M, Sharma S. Strategies for advancing inclusive biodiversity research through equitable practices and collective responsibility. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2024:e14325. [PMID: 39105487 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Biodiversity research is essential for addressing the global biodiversity crisis, necessitating diverse participation and perspectives of researchers from a wide range of backgrounds. However, conservation faces a significant inclusivity problem because local expertise from biodiversity-rich but economically disadvantaged regions is often underrepresented. This underrepresentation is driven by linguistic bias, undervalued contributions, parachute science practices, and capacity constraints. Although fragmented solutions exist, a unified multistakeholder approach is needed to address the interconnected and systemic conservation issues. We devised a holistic framework of collective responsibility across all research participants and tailored strategies that embrace diversity and dismantle systemic barriers to equitable collaboration. This framework delineates the diverse actors and practices required for promoting inclusivity in biodiversity research, assigning clear responsibilities to researchers, publishers, institutions, and funding bodies. Strategies for researchers include cultivating self-awareness, expanding literature searches, fostering partnerships with local experts, and promoting knowledge exchange. For institutions, we recommend establishing specialized liaison roles, implementing equitable policies, allocating resources for diversity initiatives, and enhancing support for international researchers. Publishers can facilitate multilingual dissemination, remove financial barriers, establish inclusivity standards, and ensure equitable representation in peer review. Funders must remove systemic barriers, strengthen research networks, and prioritize equitable resource allocation. Implementing these stakeholder-specific strategies can help dismantle deep-rooted biases and structural inequities in biodiversity research, catalyzing a shift toward a more inclusive and representative model that amplifies diverse perspectives and maximizes collective knowledge for effective global conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Valdez
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Gabriella Damasceno
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Rachel R Y Oh
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Ecosystem Services, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Laura Catalina Quintero Uribe
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Martha Paola Barajas Barbosa
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Talita Ferreira Amado
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Macroecology and Society Group, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Chloé Schmidt
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Miguel Fernandez
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
- Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Sandeep Sharma
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Biology, Martin Luther University Halle Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
- School of Science and Technology, Sunway University, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
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Atta K, Shankar PR, Archer E, Andon A, Zaidi Z, Sabzwari S, Naidu T, Chow CJ, Ashry S, Çalışkan SA, Keenoo BS, Lee YM, Lu PY, Malca-Casavilca M, Marjadi B, Micheal S, Park H, Tun W. Twelve tips for strengthening global equity in health professions education publication. MEDICAL TEACHER 2024:1-6. [PMID: 39104145 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2024.2384958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent calls to engage in scholarship with attention to anti-racism, equity, and social justice at a global level in Health Professions Education (HPE), the field has made few significant advances in incorporating the views of the so-called "Other" in understanding the nature, origin, and scope of knowledge as well as the epistemic justification of knowledge production. Editors, authors, and reviewers must take responsibility for questioning existing systems and structures, specifically about how they diffuse the knowledge of a few and silence the knowledge of many. This article presents 12 recommendations proposed by The Global South Counterspace Authors Collective (GSCAC), a group of HPE professionals, representing countries in the Global South, to help the Global North enact practical changes to become more inclusive and engage in authentic and representative work in HPE publishing. This list is not all-encompassing but a first step to begin rectifying non-inclusive structures in our field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Komal Atta
- Department of Medical Education, University Medical and Dental College, The University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Elize Archer
- Centre for Health Professions Education, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Anabelle Andon
- Medical Education and Learning Specialist, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Manhattan, New York, USA
| | - Zareen Zaidi
- George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Thirusha Naidu
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Berea, Durban, South Africa
| | - Candace J Chow
- Department of Internal Medicine, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, Utah, USA
| | - Soha Ashry
- Medical Education Department, Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S Ayhan Çalışkan
- Department of Medical Education, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Bibi Sumera Keenoo
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Mauritius, Moka, Mauritius
| | - Young-Mee Lee
- Department of Medical Education Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul South Korea
- Editor in Chief, Korean Journal of Medical Education
| | - Peih-Ying Lu
- College of Medicine, Dean of College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
| | - Michan Malca-Casavilca
- Medical School, Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC), Faculty of Medicine, National University of San Marcos (UNMSM), Lima, Peru
| | | | - Sowbhagya Micheal
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Hyunmi Park
- Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Guzmán Sánchez J, Perevochtchikova M, Kolb M. Wastewater in Latin American urban peripheries: Identifying research trends and challenges through a systematic literature review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 931:173019. [PMID: 38719034 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Water is a defining element for cities and their inhabitants. Throughout urban systems, water is either produced or received, used, and finally disposed of as wastewater. As Latin American urbanization accelerates, problems related to wastewater are increasing due to its inclusion as the main source of river pollution, as well as the high cost of infrastructure development and maintenance. The consequences of wastewater disposal are particularly relevant in areas frequently associated with urban expansion, like peripheries whose growth follows constant transitions between rural, peri-urban, and urban areas. Such consequences are often related to heterogeneity, lack of urban services and sanitation infrastructure, water pollution and health risks, as well as the development of informal compensatory systems. A systematic literature review was conducted to broaden research panorama and identify spatial, temporal, and thematic trends and challenges present in wastewater assessments of Latin American urban peripheries, this using the SALSA (search, appraisal, synthesis, and analysis) protocol in a search through international databases Scopus and Web of Science Scielo, in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. In these databases, 228 papers satisfied selection criteria and show a growing trend of publications about urban wastewater since 1988. Most case studies are from Brazil (58 %), Mexico (14 %), and Argentina (9 %). Their main approaches are quantitative research (82 %) in urban contexts (57 %). Most studies were found to be operationalized using environmental geochemistry methodologies, suggesting a dominance of technical, reductionist approaches. Integrated and mixed perspectives including actors and other societal elements are suggested as a central research challenge. Without an integrated view, it will be unfeasible to enhance decision-making processes and governance in the pursuit of sustainable water management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Guzmán Sánchez
- Sustainability Sciences PhD, Faculty of Science, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, CP. 04510 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - María Perevochtchikova
- El Colegio de México A.C., Carretera Picacho Ajusco, 20, Tlalpan, CP 14110 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Melanie Kolb
- Geography Institute, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, CP. 04510 Mexico City, Mexico
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Muchatuta M, Patel S, Gonzalez Marquez C, Thilakasiri K, Manian SV, Chan J, Mssika N, Clark T, Burkholder T, Turgeon N, Kampalath VN, Poola N, Offorjebe OA, Dozois A, Hyuha G, Vaughan‐Ogunlusi O, McCammon C, Wells K, Rybarczk M, Castillo MP, Adeyeye AA, Rees CA, Dutta S, Garbern SC. Building a framework to decolonize global emergency medicine. AEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2024; 8:e10982. [PMID: 38765709 PMCID: PMC11099782 DOI: 10.1002/aet2.10982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Global emergency medicine (GEM) is situated at the intersection of global health and emergency medicine (EM), which is built upon a history of colonial systems and institutions that continue to reinforce inequities between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) today. These power imbalances yield disparities in GEM practice, research, and education. Approach The Global Emergency Medicine Academy (GEMA) of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine formed the Decolonizing GEM Working Group in 2020, which now includes over 100 worldwide members. The mission is to address colonial legacies in GEM and catalyze sustainable changes and recommendations toward decolonization at individual and institutional levels. To develop recommendations to decolonize GEM, the group conducted a nonsystematic review of existing literature on decolonizing global health, followed by in-depth discussions between academics from LMICs and HICs to explore implications and challenges specific to GEM. We then synthesized actionable solutions to provide recommendations on decolonizing GEM. Results Despite the rapidly expanding body of literature on decolonizing global health, there is little guidance specific to the relatively new field of GEM. By applying decolonizing principles to GEM, we suggest key priorities for improving equity in academic GEM: (1) reframing partnerships to place LMIC academics in positions of expertise and power, (2) redirecting research funding toward LMIC-driven projects and investigators, (3) creating more equitable practices in establishing authorship, and (4) upholding principles of decolonization in the education of EM trainees from LMICs and HICs. Conclusions Understanding the colonial roots of GEM will allow us to look more critically at current health disparities and identify inequitable institutionalized practices within our profession that continue to uphold these misguided concepts. A decolonized future of GEM depends on our recognition and rectification of colonial-era practices that shape structural determinants of health care delivery and scientific advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monalisa Muchatuta
- Department of Emergency MedicineSUNY Downstate Medical CenterBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Shama Patel
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of FloridaJacksonvilleFloridaUSA
| | | | - Kaushila Thilakasiri
- Ministry of Health Sri LankaOxford University Hospitals NHS TrustColomboSri Lanka
| | | | - Jennifer Chan
- Department of Emergency MedicineNorthwestern UniversityChicagoIllinoisUSA
| | - Ngassa Mssika
- Department of Emergency MedicineEastern Virginia Medical SchoolNorfolkVirginiaUSA
| | - Taryn Clark
- Department of Emergency MedicineSUNY Downstate Medical CenterBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - Taylor Burkholder
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Nikkole Turgeon
- Department of Emergency MedicineBoston Medical CenterBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Vinay N. Kampalath
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Nivedita Poola
- Department of Emergency MedicineSUNY Downstate Medical CenterBrooklynNew YorkUSA
| | - O. Agatha Offorjebe
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert MedicalSchool of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
| | - Adeline Dozois
- Department of Emergency MedicineAtrium Health Carolinas Medical CenterCharlotteNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Gimbo Hyuha
- Department of Emergency MedicineMuhimbili University of Health And Allied ScienceDar es SalaamTanzania
| | | | - Carol McCammon
- Department of Emergency MedicineEastern Virginia Medical SchoolNorfolkVirginiaUSA
| | - Katie Wells
- Department of Emergency MedicineThe University of VermontBurlingtonVermontUSA
| | - Megan Rybarczk
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPennsylvaniaUSA
| | - Maria Paula Castillo
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversidad de Ciencias MedicasSan JoseCosta RicaUSA
| | | | - Chris A. Rees
- Emory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Sanjukta Dutta
- Department of Emergency MedicineFortis HospitalKolkataIndia
| | - Stephanie Chow Garbern
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert MedicalSchool of Brown UniversityProvidenceRhode IslandUSA
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Rid A, Aguilera B, Banda C, Divi R, Harris M, Kim A, Ossandon M, Zervos J, Rowthorn V. Global health reciprocal innovation: ethical, legal and regulatory considerations. BMJ Glob Health 2024; 8:e014693. [PMID: 38821558 PMCID: PMC11144796 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Global health reciprocal innovation (GHRI) is a recent and more formalised approach to conducting research that recognises and develops innovations (eg, medicines, devices, methodologies) from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). At present, studies using GHRI most commonly adapt innovations from LMICs for use in high-income countries (HICs), although some develop innovations in LMICs and HICs. In this paper, we propose that GHRI implicitly makes two ethical commitments: (1) to promote health innovations from LMICs, especially in HICs, and (2) to conduct studies on health innovations from LMICs in equitable partnerships between investigators in LMICs and HICs. We argue that these commitments take a significant step towards a more equal global health research enterprise while helping to ensure that populations and investigators in LMICs receive equitable benefits from studies using GHRI. However, studies using GHRI can raise potential ethical concerns and face legal and regulatory barriers. We propose ethical, legal and regulatory considerations to help address these concerns and barriers. We hope our recommendations will allow GHRI to move the global health research enterprise forward into an era where all people are treated equally as knowers and learners, while populations in both LMICs and HICs benefit equitably from studies using GHRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Rid
- Department of Bioethics, The Clinical Center & Department of International Science Policy, Planning and Evaluation, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernardo Aguilera
- Faculty of Medicine and Science, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Rao Divi
- Methods and Technologies Branch, Epidemiology and Genomics Research Program, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew Harris
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda Kim
- School of Nursing, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Miguel Ossandon
- Cancer Diagnosis Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John Zervos
- The Global Health Initiative, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Virginia Rowthorn
- Graduate School, Umiversity of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Cengiz N, Kabanda SM, Moodley K. Cross-border data sharing through the lens of research ethics committee members in sub-Saharan Africa. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303828. [PMID: 38781141 PMCID: PMC11115285 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several factors thwart successful data sharing-ambiguous or fragmented regulatory landscapes, conflicting institutional/researcher interests and varying levels of data science-related expertise are among these. Traditional ethics oversight mechanisms and practices may not be well placed to guarantee adequate research oversight given the unique challenges presented by digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). Data-intensive research has raised new, contextual ethics and legal challenges that are particularly relevant in an African research setting. Yet, no empirical research has been conducted to explore these challenges. MATERIALS AND METHODS We explored REC members' views and experiences on data sharing by conducting 20 semi-structured interviews online between June 2022 and February 2023. Using purposive sampling and snowballing, we recruited representatives across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed the data with Atlas.ti V22. RESULTS Three dominant themes were identified: (i) experiences in reviewing data sharing protocols, (ii) perceptions of data transfer tools and (iii) ethical, legal and social challenges of data sharing. Several sub-themes emerged as: (i.a) frequency of and approaches used in reviewing data sharing protocols, (i.b) practical/technical challenges, (i.c) training, (ii.a) ideal structure of data transfer tools, (ii.b) key elements of data transfer tools, (ii.c) implementation level, (ii.d) key stakeholders in developing and reviewing a data transfer agreement (DTA), (iii.a) confidentiality and anonymity, (iii.b) consent, (iii.c) regulatory frameworks, and (iii.d) stigmatisation and discrimination. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated variability in REC members' perceptions, suboptimal awareness of the existence of data protection laws and a unanimously expressed need for REC member training. To promote efficient data sharing within and across SSA, guidelines that incorporate ethical, legal and social elements need to be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders and field experts, along with the training accreditation of REC members in the review of data-intensive protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nezerith Cengiz
- Department of Medicine, Division for Medical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Siti M. Kabanda
- Department of Medicine, Division for Medical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Keymanthri Moodley
- Department of Medicine, Division for Medical Ethics and Law, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Acharya A, Kumar N, Singh K, Byrareddy SN. "Mpox in MSM: Tackling Stigma, Minimizing Risk Factors, Exploring Pathogenesis, and Treatment Approaches". Biomed J 2024:100746. [PMID: 38734408 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2024.100746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPV), primarily found in Central and West African countries. The typical presentation of the disease before the 2022 mpox outbreak includes a febrile prodrome 5-13 days post-exposure, accompanied by lymphadenopathy, malaise, headache, and muscle aches. Unexpectedly, during the 2022 outbreak, several cases of atypical presentations of the disease were reported, such as the absence of prodromal symptoms and the presence of genital skin lesions suggestive of sexual transmission. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), as of March 20, 2024, 94,707 cases of mpox were reported worldwide, resulting in 181 deaths (22 in African endemic regions and 159 in non-endemic countries). The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a total of 32,063 cases (33.85% of total cases globally), with 58 deaths (32.04% of global deaths) due to mpox. Person-to-person transmission of mpox can occur through respiratory droplets and sustained close contact. However, during the 2022 outbreak of mpox, a high incidence of anal and perianal lesions among MSMs indicated sexual transmission of MPV as a major route of transmission. Since MSMs are disproportionately at risk for HIV transmission, this review discusses the risk factors, transmission patterns, pathogenesis, vaccine, and treatment options for mpox among MSM and people living with HIV (PLWH). Furthermore, we provide a brief perspective on the evolution of the MPV in immunocompromised people like PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Narendra Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Kamal Singh
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, and Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
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Mitra S, Sarkar S, Ganguli-Mitra A. On the need for an anticolonial perspective in engineering education and practice. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8453. [PMID: 38114470 PMCID: PMC10730537 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43952-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Srinjoy Mitra
- School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Suvobrata Sarkar
- Department of History, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, India
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George SHL, Medina-Rivera A, Idaghdour Y, Lappalainen T, Gallego Romero I. Increasing diversity of functional genetics studies to advance biological discovery and human health. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1996-2002. [PMID: 37995684 PMCID: PMC10716434 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In this perspective we discuss the current lack of genetic and environmental diversity in functional genomics datasets. There is a well-described Eurocentric bias in genetic and functional genomic research that has a clear impact on the benefit this research can bring to underrepresented populations. Current research focused on genetic variant-to-function experiments aims to identify molecular QTLs, but the lack of data from genetically diverse individuals has limited analyses to mostly populations of European ancestry. Although some efforts have been established to increase diversity in functional genomic studies, much remains to be done to consistently generate data for underrepresented populations from now on. We discuss the major barriers for this continuity and suggest actionable insights, aiming to empower research and researchers from underserved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia H L George
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Alejandra Medina-Rivera
- Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación Sobre El Genoma Humano, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, Querétaro, México
| | - Youssef Idaghdour
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Public Health Research Center, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE; Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Tuuli Lappalainen
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Gene Technology, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden; New York Genome Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Irene Gallego Romero
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics and School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Center for Genomics, Evolution and Medicine, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
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Schutte AE, Abdool Karim Q. Reimagining Global Hypertension Research: From Helicopter Science to Meaningful Partnerships. Hypertension 2023; 80:2239-2242. [PMID: 37694447 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.20631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aletta E Schutte
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Australia (A.E.S.)
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, Australia (A.E.S.)
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), MRC Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa (A.E.S.)
- MRC/WITS Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa (A.E.S.)
| | - Quarraisha Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa, Durban, South Africa (Q.A.K.)
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York (Q.A.K.)
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11
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Molina-Aguilar C, Robles-Espinoza CD. Tackling the lack of diversity in cancer research. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:dmm050275. [PMID: 37681401 PMCID: PMC10499025 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the clear benefit of studying biological samples from diverse genetic backgrounds and geographical locations, our current knowledge of disease is mostly derived from the study of European-descent individuals. In the cancer field, this is reflected in the poor representation of African and Amerindian/Latino samples in most large public data repositories. This lack of diversity is due to several reasons, but here we focus on (1) the lack of support for studies on non-European populations that are performed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and (2) unequal partnerships between scientists in LMICs and those in high-income countries. We argue that expanding access to research funding, increasing the participation of underrepresented scientists in editorial boards and international conferences, facilitating the publication of studies conducted in these countries, and properly acknowledging LMIC researchers' contributions in publications and grant applications will promote equity for scientists working in LMICs. We envisage that this will translate to more impactful research in these countries, which will include more samples from diverse populations. For the cancer field, this will broaden our understanding of pathomechanisms and may help to improve the treatment of patients from all backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Molina-Aguilar
- Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro 76230, Mexico
| | - C. Daniela Robles-Espinoza
- Laboratorio Internacional de Investigación sobre el Genoma Humano, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Santiago de Querétaro 76230, Mexico
- Cancer, Ageing and Somatic Mutation, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire CB10 1SA, UK
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Zamudio KR. Conservation genomics: Current applications and future directions. J Hered 2023; 114:297-299. [PMID: 37208804 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Zamudio
- Biodiversity Center and Department of Integrative Biology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, United States
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Oppong S. Epistemological Allyship. PSYCHOLOGY AND DEVELOPING SOCIETIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/09713336231152301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Discussions about decolonising psychology now abound. A key perspective from which these commentaries have been written relates to a confrontation of the gatekeepers in global psychology. While this approach is valuable to end epistemological violence and other forms of injustice, it also ends up alienating influential scholars in hegemonic psychology who can magnify the impact of the decolonisation effort. In this article, I borrow from the anti-racism literature the concept of allyship to put forward a new concept of epistemological allyship (EA). I position EA to invite, but not to demand, support from and to provide guidance to gatekeepers who truly wish to support the decolonisation efforts. However, unlike the past experiences with ending slavery in which Black people were portrayed to or required to beg for freedom, this concept of EA is not to be understood in this light. Rather it should be understood to imply that while academics from the majority of the world (AMWs) are fighting their own epistemological battles, any helpful support is and should be welcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth Oppong
- University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana
- University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Omofoye TS. Radiology Education as a Global Health Service Vehicle. Radiol Imaging Cancer 2022; 4:e220156. [PMID: 36399040 PMCID: PMC9713591 DOI: 10.1148/rycan.220156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
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