Four decades of under-representation: a qualitative study to gain young adult insights to transform inclusive recruitment in clinical research

Abstract: Over the past four decades, ethnic minority groups have remained persistently under-represented in UK health research, despite longstanding evidence of recruitment inequities. This under-representation limits research relevance and impacts clinical outcomes, particularly for communities disproportionately affected by chronic conditions. Young adults may offer an important route to engaging families and wider communities, yet their perspectives on research participation remain underexplored.