READI: EATG Leads Workshop on Defining ‘Community’ for Inclusive Clinical Research

A recent workshop, convened by the READI Consortium’s Work Package 6 – Task 6.1, led by the European AIDS Treatment Group, explored the crucial yet often vaguely defined concept of “community” in the context of clinical research. The workshop, held online via Zoom on June 5, 2025, brought together the READI Consortium members and the WP6 Community Advisory Group to address how a lack of clarity in defining “community” can hinder effective engagement, foster mistrust, and ultimately impede efforts to address health inequities.

The workshop’s objective was to develop a clearer definition of “community” within clinical research to promote more meaningful participation from underserved and underrepresented communities (US/UR). The workshop also aimed to identify key stakeholders and develop collaborative engagement strategies.

The 90-minute workshop included:

• Introduction: An overview of Work Package 6 (WP6), outlining the workshop’s purpose, framing the issue, and setting expected outcomes.
• Opening Notes: Nicoletta Policek, Executive Director of EATG, delivered a powerful opening statement by shared her personal experience as a woman living with HIV, highlighting the importance of lived experience in framing communities and the power of peer support.
• Icebreaker: Participants shared their initial thoughts on what “community” means to them, highlighting the diverse perspectives and inherent complexities of the concept.
• Breakout Sessions: Eight parallel breakout sessions delved into specific aspects of defining “community” beyond demographics and identifying key community gatekeepers and influencers.
• Report Back and Summary: Each breakout session reported key takeaways, followed by a summary that set the stage for Task 6.2. (Building READI Community Clusters).

Expected Outcomes and Next Steps

The workshop aimed to produce:

1. A draft definition of “community” for further validation.
2. Identification of key stakeholders and a draft roadmap for collaborative engagement strategies.

The workshop outcomes are critical for ensuring inclusive and engaging clinical research that effectively addresses the needs of underserved and underrepresented populations. READI aims to improve research across diverse groups within Europe and beyond, leading to better care and treatments. A precise understanding of “community” will make clinical research more representative and impactful for all.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated team of professionals who supported this workshop, including Tolulope Olalekan, Shatyam Issur, Apostolos Kalogiannis, Brian West, Marine Gogia, Nuala Ryan, Daniela Rojas Castro, Giorgio Barbareschi, Miriam Cabrita (SHINE), Loes Knaapen (IPPOSI), Derick Mitchell (The Synergist) Maëliss Bodenan (The Synergist) and the READI WP6 leaders.

Further Information

More information on the READI Consortium and its work can be found on https://ihi-readi.org/

#HealthEquity #ClinicalResearch #IHI #Innovation #READI

This project is supported by the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) under grant agreement No 101166227. The JU receives support from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme and COCIR, EFPIA, EuropaBio, MedTech Europe, Vaccines Europe, and Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency and Breakthrough T1D.
This project is also supported by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) under grant agreement No 10152425 for National Institute for Health and Care Excellence and grant agreement No 31052024 for The University Court of the University of Aberdeen.
Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the aforementioned parties. Neither of the aforementioned parties can be held responsible for them.