PhD Studentship: Testing inclusive recruitment methodologies in trials

We know that certain communities, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, older people and ethnic minority groups are underserved by research. This results in lower inclusion rates in research, under researched health issues and a lack of attention to how different communities respond to health interventions. Ethnic minority groups are often underserved by research and services, experience health inequalities and face significant barriers to accessing health services. However, there is still a lack of diversity in research, which means that there is limited generalisability and relevance of the research undertaken. Within the trials that we run, we have started using various strategies to encourage the participation of people from ethnic minority groups. We are keen to further co-develop such strategies with communities and evaluate how well these approaches work to facilitate participation in research. This PhD is focused on equity in trials. The PhD work will be co-designed by working in partnership with local communities to identify and embed effective inclusive and equitable strategies to facilitate access to participation opportunities and recruitment of ethnic minority groups. The studentship will encompass: Summarising the literature on inclusive approaches to recruitment in trials. This may be a review of reviews depending on the existing literature. Undertake qualitative work with trial teams and people from ethnic minority communities to understand what works well, for whom and what needs to be tailored. Explore the implementation of approaches used to support inclusivity in trials in progress. As a world leading centre for research and training, the NIHR Sheffield BRC is keen to attract and cultivate the most promising academic researchers. Focused on the pull-through of lab-based discoveries into early-phase clinical trials, the NIHR Sheffield BRC brings together outstanding scientists from The University of Sheffield and clinical disciplines at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We are dedicated to improving treatment and care in areas where there are currently unmet clinical needs to enhance the quality of life of people within Sheffield and afar. Our strategy is based on the over-arching principles of Impact, Excellence, Inclusion, Collaboration and Effectiveness. With fresh and diverse perspectives, our BRC Training Academy students will contribute to the deep understanding of a variety of diseases and research methodologies in the themes of Neuroscience, Cardiovascular Disease, Infection & Immunity and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, to support our larger-scale objectives. Entry Requirements: Candidates must have a merit or equivalent in relevant Masters degree or significant research experience. How to apply: Please complete a University Postgraduate Research Application form available here: www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply Please clearly state the prospective main supervisor in the respective box (Dr Shoba Dawson) and select SCHARR as the department. Enquiries: Interested candidates should in the first instance contact: shoba.dawson@sheffield.ac.uk Proposed start date: 01/04/2024 Funding:  This project is fully funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) for 3.5 years, including home fees and a stipend at UKRI rates (£18,622 in 2023-24). This funding will cover home fees only. Overseas applicants are welcome to apply but will need to provide evidence that they can fund the difference between home and overseas fees.