Discover Brigham: Session Spotlight Series

Discover Brigham: Session Spotlight Series

Committing to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Clinical Research: What We Know Now

November 12, 1:45 – 2:00pm

While the lack of diverse representation in clinical trials is well known, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need to understand why underserved and vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected both in incidence and severity of infection.  More generally, should the participants in a clinical trial reflect the diversity of the U.S., the world or both? Or should they represent the people that the treatment or intervention is intended to help? This planned panel discussion will explore a number of barriers to inclusion of diverse populations and address potential approaches and solutions to increase diversity. This work is necessary but not easy, and it will take time to achieve meaningful change. We will walk through various potential solutions, practical tools, and resources for implementation, and we will discuss how BWH (and MGB) can aspire to excel in diverse representation in clinical research.

Session Speakers:

Bisola Ojikutu, MD and Barbara Bierer, MD

Register for Discover Brigham here!

Learn more about the other sessions and the rest of day on our website here!

Discover Brigham is an annual event that provides the community with a firsthand look at the incredible action going on behind-the-scenes at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. This unique event showcases current projects and accomplishments of investigators who are paving the way for further discovery and innovation. This year, we are reimagining Discover Brigham in light of COVID-19 and will be hosting it virtually. We are truly excited for this extraordinary opportunity to reach an even broader population of global citizens, clinicians, budding scientists and family members.

Tune in for six must-see sessions presented by Brigham researchers with topics ranging from artificial intelligence at the bedside and the COVID-19 research being conducted in our hospital to a competition among postdocs who will be pitching their research to the public in hopes of winning the $1,000 prize. The conference will also feature virtually interactive demos and an extensive poster session with over 100 posters.