This guide is designed to support ethical, safe, and informed participation in research studies.

Research has advanced significantly in how we treat disease and address health disparities. Yet, a deep gap remains—especially when it comes to trust and inclusion. Historical abuses in communities of color, combined with cultural skepticism and misinformation, have made many hesitant to engage in research. What’s often misunderstood is that “research” isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a broad field with many different purposes and methods. To close the gap, we must first understa