UNIC Medical School joins pioneering European effort to enhance clinical trial inclusivity
The University of Nicosia Medical School is participating in the pioneering Research in Europe and Diversity Inclusion (READI) project. READI is a significant initiative aimed at transforming clinical research throughout Europe. This collaborative effort brings together 73 organizations from 18 countries, supported by €66.8 million in funding from the Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking (IHI JU) and contributing industry partners.
The project’s primary objective is to address the underrepresentation of certain groups within European clinical trials, including ethnic, sexual, and gender minorities, and age and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. These groups often face barriers such as geographic limitations, mistrust, and lack of access to information, leading to their exclusion from essential clinical studies.
Prof Zoi Dorothea Pana, who represents the Medical School in the project, has the privilege of being the co-coordinator for Work Package 1. This work package focuses on understanding and characterising underserved populations to improve their inclusion in clinical studies. Prof Pana commented: ‘Our mission within READI IHI is to enhance an inclusive European clinical trials ecosystem that values every individual’s health journey, to foster accessible, cohesive, and inclusive clinical studies across Europe, and to inform European policies for a more equitable clinical trial environment’.
The READI project officially launched on 16 January 2025 in Madrid, marking the start of efforts to build an integrated clinical study ecosystem. The initiative empowers stakeholders—patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and patient organizations—with tools, training, and communication strategies to facilitate broader participation in clinical studies.
Coordinated by the Servicio Madrileño de Salud (SERMAS), through Hospital Universitario La Paz in Spain, as the Project Coordinator, Novartis in Switzerland as the Project Lead, and supported by The Synergist in Belgium as the Digital & Sustainability Coordinator., the READI consortium comprises diverse partners, including research institutions, patient advocacy organizations, and pharmaceutical companies.
By promoting population representativeness and conducting real-world pilot studies, READI seeks to improve research on diseases and conditions, enhancing healthcare outcomes across Europe. This ambitious initiative strives to ensure no community is left behind in the pursuit of equitable healthcare for all. For more information visit ihi-readi.org.