Dr. Olufunmilayo "Funmi" Olopade is a Nigerian-born oncologist and cancer researcher at the University of Chicago. Her groundbreaking work on hereditary breast cancer has transformed understanding of the disease in African and African-American women. Olopade discovered unique BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in African populations and established cancer genetics clinics in Nigeria. She founded the Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health and leads research initiatives across Africa. Olopade has published over 350 papers and received numerous awards including MacArthur Fellowship ("Genius Grant") and AACR Distinguished Scientist Award. Her work saves lives globally and demonstrates the critical importance of diverse genetic research.


PRECISION ONCOLOGIST:
Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade revolutionised cancer care by uncovering genetic mutations prevalent among women of African ancestry. Her work exposed why standard Western risk models underdiagnosed African patients and called for inclusive genomic research.

GLOBAL HEALTH LEADER:
She founded the University of Chicago’s Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics and Global Health, partnering with hospitals across Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa to establish biobanks, train clinicians, and expand screening programmes.

INNOVATION AND POLICY:
Olopade advises the World Health Organization, Union for International Cancer Control, and U.S. National Cancer Advisory Board, ensuring policy reflects diverse populations. She champions affordable diagnostics, telemedicine, and culturally sensitive counselling.

MENTORSHIP AND IMPACT:
Through Project Pink Blue and other NGOs, she mentors oncologists, genetic counsellors, and patient advocates. Her research saves lives by enabling early detection, personalised therapy, and awareness in communities previously overlooked.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 16 October 1957 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
- Education: University of Ibadan (MBBS, 1980); residency at Cook County Hospital; fellowship at University of Chicago.
- Awards: MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship (2005), ASCO Humanitarian Award (2015).
- Signature initiative: developing BRCA testing tailored to African genetic diversity.