Improving diversity in research and trial participation: the challenges of language

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into focus issues of health inequality and the disproportionate disease burden experienced by ethnic minority communities, compared with the population as a whole.1 High-quality research is the basis for an evidence-based approach to the delivery of health care. It is widely accepted that some subgroups of patients might respond differently to interventions due to genetic, social, and cultural factors.2 Therefore, diversity within study cohorts is crucial to ensure research is generalisable,3 benefits all of society, and does not perpetuate existing inequalities.