Washington Update

NIH Launches New Initiatives to Foster Public Input in Clinical Research

By: Yvette Seger
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Earlier this month, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced the formation of a working group charged with obtaining public input on strategies to increase participation in all phases of clinical research. Established by the Novel and Exceptional Technology and Research Advisory Committee, the Engaging the Public as Partners in Clinical Research or ENGAGE Working Group will lead the development of a vision and framework for including public feedback on all phases and types of clinical research.

Two strategies have been launched to help ENGAGE in fulfilling its charge. The first is a listening session on strategies to engage the public as partners in clinical research that will be co-hosted by NIH’s Office of Science Policy and the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation on July 17, 1– 2:30 pm ET. Registration is required for this event.

The second is a Request for Information (RFI) seeking input on ways to ensure public voices are heard and incorporated into clinical research studies funded by NIH. Questions within the RFI seek feedback on strategies for researchers to partner and work with people and communities, ways institutions hosting research activities can support and incentivize bi-directional partnerships between researchers and communities, approaches research funders can adopt to incorporate partnerships between communities and researchers into programs and priorities, and examples of incentives and/or deterrents for public engagement in clinical research. Comments must be received by August 14.