Duke Health Disparities Research Curriculum (HDRC)


2023-2024 Applications

Applications for the new HRDC cycle open June 1, 2023.

Application deadline is August 7, 2023.

HDRC uses the MyResearchProposal online application software.

You must be affiliated with Duke University or North Carolina Central University (NCCU) to participate in this course. Acceptance to the HDRC program will be determined by the course directors based on capacity and the applicant's rationale for taking the course.


Research to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in health is a national priority.

We have developed a curriculum to raise awareness about health disparities research among junior investigators and to teach the skills required to incorporate principles of disparities research into their particular areas of research focus. Although this curriculum focuses primarily on racial and ethnic disparities, the principles, methods, and examples will be broadly applicable to other disparities (e.g., gender).

The Duke Health Disparities Research Curriculum (HDRC) is designed to increase knowledge and skill of participants in the evaluation, design, and conduct of health disparities research. The curriculum consists of monthly sessions which combine didactics and student activities addressing: 

  • Nomenclature and framework for approaching research involving health disparities

  • Contributors to health disparities

  • Role of implicit bias in disparities research

  • Health disparities research methods across the translational spectrum

  • Conduct of health disparities research focused on the clinical encounter

  • Funding sources and strategies for disparities research

Please note that this curriculum is not designed to teach basic research design, and participants should have some foundational knowledge on the general principles and issues in research design.

The Health Disparities Research Curriculum is led by senior faculty (Laura Svetkey, Kimberly Johnson, Kevin Thomas). Sessions are led by faculty with expertise in health disparities research.

Our next program will begin in September 2023 and continue to meet every two to three weeks on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00 p.m. through June 2024. 

Note: The 2023-2024 curriculum will be virtual.

Interested individuals should plan to participate in at least 75% of the scheduled activities. Currently, there are no costs associated with this course.

Previous Health Disparities Research Curriculum Topics & Leaders


Questions? Please contact Stephanie Molner.