Under-representation of women in research: a status quo that is a scandal

Abstract

Among the failings of medical research, the under-representationofwomenandethnicminorities in clinical studies is nothing short of a scandal. In 1994 the US National Institutes of Health made it mandatory for government funded research to include both these groups. The UK National Institute for Health and Care Research issued guidance on sex and gender in 2020. Yet, despite these and other requirements, increased awareness, and numerous pledges, progress is unacceptably slow.