Opportunities to Address Clinical Research Workforce Diversity Needs for 2010

Overview

Based on a 2003 workshop, this study describes current public and private programs and recommends ways to recruit and retain more women and underrepresented minorities into clinical research, especially physician-scientists and nurses.

Recommendations for Federal Sponsors

Federal sponsors should improve data collection, evaluate existing training programs, and increase the diversity of study section review panels.

Suggestions for Public and Private Sponsors

Public and private sponsors should create funding mechanisms with flexible career paths, and universities and professional societies should both play enhanced roles in fostering diversity.

Focus on Nursing and Clinical Research Training

A significant push is needed to recruit minorities into nursing and provide more clinical research training for nurse-scientists, nursing students, and nursing faculty.