Founder’s Message

Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a future where trust and hope intertwine in the realm of healthcare. I’m filled with both gratitude and determination, as we launch our research on community perceptions and trust regarding clinical trials, with a specific focus on Black and ethnic minority groups.

In this pivotal endeavor, we embark on a path that resonates deeply with the knowledge that for far too long, disparities in healthcare access and outcomes have persisted, and it is time we confront them head-on.

When we think of medical research, we know that trust is the lifeblood that courses through our veins. It is the foundation upon which we build bridges of hope, connecting scientists and communities, caregivers and patients. Yet, we cannot ignore the painful truth that trust has been eroded in certain communities, especially among our Black and ethnic minority communities.

Each of us, in our own unique way, carries within us the imprints of experiences that shape our perceptions. We have witnessed skepticism, heard whispers of uncertainty, and felt the tremors of doubt. The trust between communities and the medical world has been tested, strained, and at times, shattered.

This research is our effort to understand the fears, hopes, and aspirations that swirl within our communities. We strive to listen, truly listen, to the whispers of those who have felt forgotten and overlooked. We endeavour to lend a voice to their concerns, fears, and doubts. In doing so, we hope to rekindle the flickering flames of trust.

We will hold space for the frustration, the skepticism, and the valid concerns that have taken root in the hearts of those who have felt excluded, marginalised and betrayed. For only through genuine understanding can we begin to rebuild what has been fractured; remembering that behind every statistic, every data point, lies a life lived, and a story told.

As we unpack the findings of our research, let us embrace the truth it reveals, regardless of its complexities. Let us foster open dialogue and constructive discourse, recognising that it is through the amalgamation of diverse perspectives that we uncover the most profound insights. And let us remember that the transformational change we seek requires not only the expertise of scientists and researchers but the collective will and collaboration of communities, patients, and advocates alike.

We have the opportunity to create a new narrative where Black and ethnic minority communities no longer fear, but embrace the possibilities that clinical trials hold. Together, we can forge a path towards equal representation, where every voice is heard, every concern is addressed, and every life matters.

I am profoundly grateful for each and every one of you who has joined us on this extraordinary journey.

With boundless hope and enthusiasm,

Dr. Elsa Zekeng, Founder