Millions of young people could miss out on effective treatments because too few take part in medical research, experts warn. Data from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) shows 18- to 24-year-olds make up 8% of England’s population but only 4.4% of study participants.
Kirsty Blenkins, from the Association for Young People’s Health, said this gap means many treatments are tested mainly on older adults, risking therapies that are “unsafe or unsuitable” for younger patients. Barriers include limited awareness, lack of outreach, and privacy concerns.
Dr Esther Mukuka, NIHR’s research inclusion director, said research affects everyday care, from diabetes to mental health. “If young people don’t take part, future treatments won’t reflect their needs,” she said.
The NIHR is urging more young volunteers to join studies through its UK-wide registry, while Dr Wendy Macdowall of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine warned that broader inclusion — across age, gender, and ethnicity — is essential to ensure equitable healthcare.
