Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in global health research: news, resources, and funding

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.

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Updated July 12, 2024