Dr. MUSA Aminu is a neuroscientist and science communication expert with a doctorate in addiction neuroscience. Dr. Musa’s research focuses on understanding the effects of THC and CBD on synaptic plasticity and addiction-related behaviors by examining behavioral, transcriptional, and microRNA-related mechanisms. His work addresses current concerns about cannabis legalization and the adolescent brain, especially as African countries move toward legalizing cannabis.

As a science communication expert, he supports the INFORM Africa project’s administrative core by employing innovative science communication strategies (including radio drama series, using storytelling to report research outcomes, animations, newsletters, etc.) to ensure the hub’s outputs reach both the scientific community and a broader non-scientific audience. He has also played a key role in the success of INFORM Africa’s community engagement strategies, which involve co-creating with communities, building trust, and translating research outputs at the community level. His co-creation model with communities has led to two manuscripts currently underway for publication. Dr. Musa has also contributed to several initiatives within DS-I Africa, including a manuscript on engaging policymakers in health research in Africa, in collaboration with the partnership and outreach working group. He currently serves as the chairperson of the DS-I Africa consortium partnership and outreach working group.