Summary
Nabarun Dasgupta, a researcher from the University of North Carolina, received a "genius" grant from the MacArthur Foundation for his work on addressing the U.S. overdose crisis. His research showed a decline in overdose deaths since 2021 and includes efforts to develop harm reduction programs and distribute naloxone, a drug that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Key Facts
- Nabarun Dasgupta works at the University of North Carolina and studies street drug supplies in the U.S.
- He was awarded a MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant, which includes $800,000, for his research on reducing overdose deaths.
- Dasgupta discovered that overdose deaths in the U.S. started to decline in many states since 2021.
- His work involves creating harm reduction programs to reduce drug-related deaths.
- He helped start a system that detects harmful chemicals in street drugs.
- Dasgupta co-founded the Remedy Alliance / For The People to distribute naloxone, a drug that reverses opioid overdoses.
- Dasgupta is noted for his connections with people in drug-using communities and frontline health workers.
