READI

Challenge

Underrepresented and underserved groups, such as ethnic, sexual and gender minorities, age or socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, are often left out of crucial clinical research. Geographical limitations, lack of trust and poor access to information lead to many barriers that limit these people’s access to trials. This creates significant knowledge gaps in understanding how diseases and treatments affect diverse groups, while also limiting access to new health innovations for many.

Solution

By empowering all stakeholders – patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and patient organizations – with tools, training, and improved communication, READI ensures that everyone has a fair chance to participate in clinical studies. We take a critical step forward in transforming clinical research in Europe – making it more representative and impactful for all communities, regardless of people’s background, geographical location or circumstances.

Impacts

READI will raise awareness and improve understanding of diversity, as well as the characteristics of Underrepresented (UR) and Underserved (US) communities across Europe, by promoting population representativeness in clinical research. Researchers and industry stakeholders will enhance their understanding of the impact of study design and execution on patient recruitment in future clinical studies, through use cases. READI will lead to improved research on various diseases and conditions, better care, and more effective treatments across different demographic groups, thereby serving society more effectively.

Consortium

READI is an ambitious project supported by the Innovative Health Joint Initiative (IHI JU), which brings together 80 international partners from 18 countries. It aims to transform the European clinical trials ecosystem by strengthening the inclusion and representativeness of under-represented and underserved communities. Full list of the consortium.