Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in global health research: news, resources, and funding
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) at NIH
NIH is dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusion where diverse talent is supported to advance health discovery, improve health outcomes, and reduce health disparities around the world. As a global leader in biomedical and behavioral research, NIH is also committed to supporting collaborative international research that harnesses the rich diversity of the biomedical workforce to advance timely solutions to global health challenges. NIH works to promote diversity within its own workforce through its
Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as well as through grant programs that support grantee diversity initiatives. One goal of these initiatives is to train individuals from populations who are underrepresented as health researchers.
Promoting equity in global health research
Related to a culture of inclusion in the workforce is “equitable research"—research collaboration that is inclusive, elevates underrepresented voices and groups, and demonstrates fairness of opportunity and fair process. Fogarty aims to further the global dialogue around increased equity in global health research and seeks to better understand the challenges and barriers to equitable research. In practice, equity in global research may be achieved through collaborations based on partnerships in which all parties have equal input into the direction and design of the research, shared leadership, joint applications and publications, and the inclusion of individuals who historically have not been included as research partners.
In 2022, Fogarty and seven partner Institutes and Centers requested input on approaches NIH might take to promote greater equity in global health research conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The NIH
Report on Request for Information on Promoting Equity in Global Health Research includes an analysis of all 186 responses received from a diverse range of organizations, including academic institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, professional associations, and health care systems.
Reducing health disparities
To advance health discovery, improve health outcomes, and reduce health disparities around the world, scientists from diverse backgrounds and varied life experiences need to be included in health research. Additionally, researchers who are members of groups that have been underrepresented as both health research practitioners and participants are more attuned to health problems that most affect their communities and populations. Training in health research methodologies and practice will equip them to find the most effective, locally appropriate, and sustainable solutions. In 2023, Fogarty provided more than $1.7 million in
additional funding to currently funded grants to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our research training programs.
Recent News
- Authorship of Publications Supported by NCI-Funded Grants Involving Low- and Middle-Income Countries, co-authored by the National Cancer Institute Center for Global Health’s Linsey Eldridge, Elise M. Garton, Kalina Duncan, and Satish Gopal
JAMA, March 29, 2024
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Striving for equity in global health research partnerships
Fogarty Director’s blog, March 5, 2024 -
Researchers optimize genetic tests for diverse populations to tackle health disparities
NIH news, February 20, 2024
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Creating health equity through community-based research
Global Health Matters, November/December 2023
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NIH establishes new Diversity Centers for Genome Research
NHGRI news, December 7, 2023
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Fogarty bolsters research equity with $1.7 million in supplemental awards
Fogarty news, September 5, 2023
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Updated April 9, 2024