$2.25 Million Verdict in Race/National Origin Discrimination Case Against Rockefeller University

Today, a federal jury in the Southern District of New York found The Rockefeller University liable for discrimination based on race and national origin in its treatment of Dr. Effat Emamian—a young scientist from Iran. Dr. Emamian worked for Rockefeller from 2001 until she was refused re-appointment in August 2007. After three days of deliberation, the jury awarded Dr. Emamian, $2.25 million in damages. Dr. Emamian was subjected to this discrimination while researching cellular and molecular neuroscience in the lab of, and under the supervision of, Dr. Paul Greengard, a Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine.

After raising a complaint with The Rockefeller University, and subsequently being fired, Dr. Emamian has spent the last 13 years in litigation that culminated in a 7 week trial.

The jury heard testimony from numerous witnesses, including the former President of Rockefeller University, Dr. Paul Nurse, and the current Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michael Young. Both are also Nobel Prize Laureates.

Dr. Emamian was represented by Beldock Levine & Hoffman LLP attorneys Jonathan C. Moore, David B. Rankin, and Luna Droubi.