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Unequal representation of patient groups and diseases in research is both a cause and a consequence of health inequality
Underrepresented populations are underserved by healthcare and underrepresented in research for many different reasons:
- Protected characteristics such as gender or ethnicity
- Social circumstances that marginalise people such as poverty or homelessness
- Health conditions such as mental health or rare diseases
If we don’t study disease in a particular group, how do we know that our discoveries are relevant to people in that group?
HARP will be based in the ethnically-diverse East End of London, which is home to 2.5 million people from almost 100 nations of origin and where average healthy life expectancy is 57y for women compared with 70y for the highest in London.
Our track-record of engagement and addressing health inequalities through research means that when new challenges emerge we can enrol representative numbers of ethnic minority participants, such as 30% in recent international Covid-19 vaccine research.
Multi-layered
training
A comprehensive, multi-layered doctoral training experience
This doctoral training programme (DTP) equips fellows with the skills, knowledge and leadership capabilities to conduct impactful research, particularly in underrepresented populations and diseases.
Through a combination of research-focused workshops, a bespoke career development programme, core methodological training and tailored project-specific support, the DTP provides structured learning alongside sustained mentorship and peer engagement throughout the three-year PhD.
Training in research relevant to underrepresented populations and diseases
This is delivered in 2-monthly rolling workshop sessions over three years (18 workshops altogether: Twelve workshops are delivered by experienced multiprofessional clinical researchers from QMUL/CSGUL who work with different underrepresented populations and diseases. These interactive workshops provide successful examples of engagement and discuss contentious issues.
Six workshops focus on Community and Patient engagement training. Sessions are co-chaired by fellows with patient group leaders, community groups such as Social Action for Health (see letter of support), PPI experts and City’s Centre for Mental Health Research.
All the workshops are followed by presentations from fellows, discussion and reflection.
Career development programme
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General research training
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Project-specific training
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Our culture
We are building a high-quality clinical academic community drawn from diverse professional and personal backgrounds, embedded within a progressive and supportive research culture
Fellows are mentored to navigate career transitions and trained to deliver interdisciplinary biomedical and social research focused on underrepresented populations and diseases.
Together, this community will develop the insight and imagination to recognise, address and reduce health inequalities, championing a positive research culture throughout their future careers for the benefit of disadvantaged communities across the UK and beyond.
Apply now“I could honestly not have been more supported, enabled, and helped through this process by the HARP directors, the administrative team, and the entire research infrastructure at Queen Mary.”
Rachel Preston, paediatric speech and language therapist