Together, the Duke Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, and Duke University Health System launched a new initiative in 2021 aimed at achieving increased access to and equitable representation in clinical research.
The Duke University Research Equity and Diversity Initiative (READI) was supported by a $2.65 million grant from The Duke Endowment to strengthen community engagement programs and practices aimed at addressing the barriers to research participation, increase diversity in clinical research, build community trust, and reduce health disparities.
We proudly present the READI Impact Report highlighting the activities and milestones that helped to achieve our vision to improve health and health equity for all.
With guidance from the READI Community Advisory Council and many academic and healthcare partners, READI has piloted a significant number of programs, including:
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Freestanding clinical research site fostering engagement with the community
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Voucher program funding community-engaged research
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College internship program promoting equitable research practices
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Partnerships creating career pathways into clinical research
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Health system trustworthiness survey
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Community partnered research network facilitating research between academic institutions and community-based organizations
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Clinical trials website and directory
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Reducing administrative barriers to community-engaged research at Duke
These READI initiatives and programs continue, and through them we are working to ensure that clinical research is representative and benefits everyone. We want every community member to see themselves reflected in our research workforce and our study populations so the benefits of the work we do are directly translatable to their health and aligned with their health priorities.
We are dedicated to continuing to advance this deeper connection between groundbreaking medical research and the communities we serve.