
The University of Calgary’s Professor Bukola Salami, a leading voice in nursing and health equity, has been named a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Black and Racialised Peoples’ Health. This prestigious appointment, announced late last year, was part of a broader federal initiative that awarded eight new CRCs to University of Calgary, alongside six renewals, representing over $10 million in funding to address critical societal issues.
Salami, who is also vice-president of the Canadian Nurses Association, was recognised for her groundbreaking work in addressing health disparities experienced by Black and racialised communities in Canada. With over 90 funded projects amounting to $250 million under her belt, her research is poised to transform health outcomes by tackling systemic racism and fostering equitable healthcare practices.
In her new role, Salami will utilise participatory action research and intersectionality theory to examine racialised health inequalities and their root causes. Her ambitious plans include creating collaborative action plans, training early-career researchers, and establishing networks that position affected communities as leaders in improving their well-being.
She remarked, “Racism significantly impacts health outcomes for Black and racialised people, reducing overall population health. I am excited by the opportunity to achieve sustainable impact and close the gap in health equity.”
Salami’s expertise extends across numerous health disciplines as a member of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, and the One Child Every Child initiative, Canada’s largest child health research grant at $125 million. Her career began as a registered nurse at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, followed by an interprofessional educator role focusing on immigrant health.
From 2014 to 2023, she served as Professor of Nursing at the University of Alberta, where she led the Intersections of Gender Signature Area and spearheaded the creation of an Institute for Intersectional Studies. Now, at the University of Calgary’s Cumming School of Medicine and Faculty of Nursing, she continues to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through her innovative work.
The Canada Research Chairs Programme invests $311 million annually to attract and retain top researchers. Announced by Yasir Naqvi, parliamentary secretary to the minister of health, the latest round of funding totals $638 million, including $182 million for CRCs. These investments support essential research across various fields, such as health equity, Indigenous research, and environmental sustainability.
Dr William Ghali, UCalgary’s vice-president of research, praised the appointments, stating, “This funding allows our researchers to advance essential knowledge in various domains, aligning with our national tri-council agencies.”
While the University of Calgary celebrates its eight new chair holders, Prof. Salami’s appointment marks a significant milestone in addressing racial health disparities. Her vision and dedication underscore Canada’s commitment to fostering inclusive research and creating meaningful change for marginalised communities.