Advocating for collaboration among key partners to promote diversity in clinical studies amid policy challenges in the United States of America.

Abstract

The lack of diversity in clinical studies has significant ethical and health consequences, limiting the development of effective treatments for diverse populations. Homogeneous participation in clinical studies contributes to health disparities, particularly among historically underrepresented groups in the United States (US). Racial, ethnic, and other minoritized populations have long been excluded from clinical research. In response, the US Congress mandated the National Institutes of Health to assess the impacts of insufficient diversity in clinical studies. Despite efforts by the government, non-profit organizations, and industry players to improve diversity in clinical studies, progress has been slow due to fragmented approaches. For instance, the new US administration (2025) has recently released executive orders which threaten to reverse the progress made in inclusive clinical research. The Stanford Think Tank on Diversity and Equity in Clinical Trials, held in September 2023, brought together key partners across multiple sectors and professions to discuss barriers and explore potential solutions to participation in clinical studies. In this commentary, we discuss the importance of collaborative, inclusive strategies in clinical study design to advance equitable health outcomes for all. Further, we discuss potential implications of the government's dismissal of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on diverse research participation.