Dr. Solomon F. Ofori-Acquah, an esteemed researcher in genetics and sickle cell disease, is set to return to Georgia to spearhead a groundbreaking science and medical collaborative focused on discovering new treatments and cures for the disease.

Currently, Dr. Ofori-Acquah directs two research initiatives he founded: the West African Genetic Medicine Center at the University of Ghana and the Center for Translational and International Hematology at the University of Pittsburgh. 

Starting in September, he will take on a joint faculty appointment at Emory University and Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) as the Calvin Smyre GRA Eminent Scholar Chair. 

In this role, he will lead the Georgia Solve Sickle Cell Initiative, a project coordinated by the Georgia Research Alliance (GRA) in partnership with Emory, MSM, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Dr. Ofori-Acquah will leverage the state’s expertise in sickle cell disease research and care, collaborating with a multidisciplinary team of investigators to expand treatment options at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

 His efforts will include conducting clinical trials and enhancing access to innovative therapies.

“Dr. Ofori-Acquah is the ideal candidate to forge new collaborative approaches to fight a disease that brings great suffering to children and adults,” said Tim Denning, PhD, GRA’s president and CEO.

 “He deeply understands sickle cell disease and has worked to translate findings to benefit patients and improve access to essential medicines for the disease in Africa. 

And he has made a major impact in educating young scientists and clinicians to advance the field.”

Dr. Ofori-Acquah's return to Georgia is marked by his previous tenure from 2007 to 2013 as an assistant professor of pediatrics at Emory, during which he established and led the university’s Center for Endothelial Biology, focusing on the cells lining blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart.

“I’m glad that Dr. Ofori-Acquah is returning to Georgia to help lead the fight against sickle cell disease,” said Emory President Gregory L. Fenves. 

“This would not have been possible without the partnership between Emory, the Morehouse School of Medicine, the Georgia Research Alliance, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. 

It is this type of forward-thinking collaboration that positions Atlanta — and the state of Georgia — to take on the greatest healthcare challenges of our time with unmatched expertise and support.”