Inclusive research leads to better health outcomes. We are committed to making studies accessible to people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. By designing and delivering research that reflects the diversity of our population, we ensure results are fair, relevant, and trusted. Diversity in research participation matters because factors such as age, sex, gender, ethnicity, disability, and socio-economic background can all affect health outcomes. Including a broad range of participants helps make studies more relevant, improves the safety and effectiveness of interventions, and builds trust in research. What researchers should consider When planning or reviewing a study, researchers and Sponsor Representatives should:Understand the participant population - ensure recruitment strategies reflect the community you want to study.Engage with patients and the public - involve them early in study design and consider their feedback.Plan for inclusion - broaden eligibility criteria, remove unnecessary barriers, and think about cultural, physical, or financial obstacles to participation.Support accessibility - consider translation, large print, lay summaries, remote visits, and covering travel or childcare costs.Reach out widely - use community networks and outreach (e.g. social media, local organisations) to build trust and widen participation.Report transparently - analyse results by characteristics such as age, sex/gender, or ethnicity, and publish summaries for participants and the public. Local considerations For studies in Scotland, researchers are encouraged to use the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) to understand and report on how research outcomes affect communities across different socio-economic backgrounds. Further guidance and support HRA - Inclusion and diversity plan and guidance UKRI - Embedding diversity in research design Egality - Diversity and inclusion in clinical research This article was published on 2025-03-17
