Diversity is one of the core values of the All of Us Research Program. All of Us is asking lots of people to join the program. Participants are from different races, ethnicities, age groups, and regions of the country. They are also diverse in gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education, disability, and health status.
“It’s amazing seeing the number of people from everywhere across the country coming together with ideas representing their communities, representing the people in their neighborhoods, and having a voice, and then reflecting that into the program.”
—Shenela Lakhani, Director of Genetic Counseling and Clinical Engagement, Center for Neurogenetics at Weill Cornell Medicine
Why is diversity important to the All of Us Research Program?
Diversity in a research program is important for several reasons. First, where we live, how we live, and our background can all affect our health. Second, many groups of people have been left out of research in the past. This means researchers know less about their health.
By studying data from a diverse group of people, researchers can learn more about what makes people sick or keeps them healthy. What researchers learn could lead to better treatment and disease prevention for all of us.
Data from All of Us could someday help researchers:
- Identify what makes people more likely to develop a disease
- Find out how environment, lifestyle, and genes can impact health
- Build better tools for detecting a health condition and encouraging healthy habits
Spotlight on Tribal Engagement: Among the groups that have been most underrepresented in research are American Indian, Alaska Native, and Indigenous communities. Learn more about All of Us’ efforts to seek input from Tribal leaders and other community members to further meaningful, culturally-sensitive collaborations: All of Us Tribal Engagement.
Why have some communities not been part of research?
Some communities have not been invited to take part in research, or they were invited but were not told what was involved. For these reasons, we know very little about them.
The All of Us Research Program has learned from this history. We want to be sure we do things right so that many different groups of people can join. We will tell you what we are doing. We will share results. And we will protect your data.
LGBTQIA+ Representation in All of Us
The breadth, depth, and diversity of the All of Us dataset make it possible to address focused research questions about LGBTQIA+ health and to conduct nuanced analyses. By furthering research about LGBTQIA+ communities, All of Us may ultimately improve patient care.
Discover how the All of Us Research Program is championing LGBTQIA+ representation in precision health research.
Research Roundup is the All of Us Research Program’s bimonthly researcher newsletter. It includes the latest All of Us news, funding opportunities, publications, and more. Subscribe to the newsletter today to stay connected with all things All of Us research!
All of Us is powered by participants.
By joining the program, you can:
- Help represent your community in important studies that may lead to new research findings, treatments, and cures.
- Learn about your own health, including risk factors that are specific to your family history or community.
- Learn about additional research opportunities, such as clinical trials, that may be relevant to you.
- Leave a legacy for your children, your grandchildren, and future generations by supporting potential breakthroughs in areas such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, dementia, depression, and chronic pain.
Questions? Contact us.
