Across Europe, numerous communities remain underrepresented in clinical research. This means gaps in understanding how various diseases affect different demographic groups, which limits the development of effective treatments and also denies these communities access to promising new medicines, vaccines, and medical devices.
The READI project is designed to address these issues by enhancing the representation of underserved populations in clinical studies. This is intended to improve healthcare access and reduce health disparities, and consequently enrich the quality and relevance of clinical research.
Addressing Critical Gaps in Clinical Research
Across Europe, numerous communities remain underrepresented in clinical research. This means gaps in understanding how various diseases affect different demographic groups, which limits the development of effective treatments and also denies these communities access to promising new medicines, vaccines, and medical devices.
The READI project is designed to address these issues by enhancing the representation of underserved populations in clinical studies. This is intended to improve healthcare access and reduce health disparities, and consequently enrich the quality and relevance of clinical research.
Overcoming Barriers to Clinical StudyParticipation
Geographic limitations, mistrust in the healthcare system, poor communication, and prejudice are among the systemic barriers that prevent the involvement of underserved populations in clinical studies. READI seeks to dismantle these barriers by fostering a more holistic, integrated approach to clinical research.
A Collaborative Effort
By bringing together experts in clinical research, public health and patient advocacy, READI consortium is poised to reshape the European clinical research landscape.
The project is coordinated by the Servicio Madrileño de Salud (SERMAS) through Hospital Universitario La Paz, with Novartis as the project lead and The Synergist as coordinator for digital strategy and sustainability. Bringing together 73 organizations from 18 countries, READI will work over six years with a budget of €66.8 million. Of this, €31.5 million is funded by IHI, and €34.2 million is committed by industry and contributing partners.
SYNAPSE will bring to READI project its expertise in strategic project management, innovative tools, processes and methodologies, ensuring high standards in project intelligence, legal management, dissemination and sustainability of research results. Our contribution involves supporting the Coordinator in project management activities including developing the work plan, managing partnership, handling financial and administrative tasks (reporting, contractual arrangements, risk management and quality control of deliverables) and implementing internal communication tools.
“We are proud to contribute our expertise to the management of the pioneering IHI-funded READI project, aimed at improving the representation of underserved populations in clinical trials. We are excited to embark on this journey with such a promising consortium, ensuring the project’s smooth progression and achievement of its ambitious goals”
Mónica García, SYNAPSE, READI Project Manager
Objectives and Innovations
The first READI objective will be to understand and characterize underserved populations across Europe and create strategies to boost their involvement in clinical research. Additionally, READI will co-create new methodologies, resources, training programs, and tools for the design of more inclusive clinical studies.
A central component of the READI initiative will be the development of an innovative, open, patient-centric digital platform that will integrate resources, data, and information about clinical studies, accessible for patients and healthcare professionals.
The READI initiative will not only be theoretical, but it will also be tested in at least four clinical studies that will enable the evaluation of the strategies developed by the project.
A Long-Term Vision
READI is uniquely positioned to promote more inclusive participation in clinical trial research thanks to the combined expertise of its diverse partners consortium. This will benefit underserved and underrepresented groups and drive a more equitable and innovative future in clinical research.
The launch of the READI project (Research in Europe and Diversity Inclusion) marks a significant step towards a more inclusive and equitable future for clinical research in Europe. This ambitious initiative, funded by the Horizon Europe Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) and driven by meaningful co-leadership with patients, aims to ensure that underserved and underrepresented populations are meaningfully included in clinical studies.