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Embedding equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) into statistical methodology research may improve outcomes and better serve the public, a new Leicester study has reported.

Academics from the University of Leicester are calling on research teams to prioritise equity at every stage of the research process, recommending the use of the  as a practical guide.

EDI is an important priority for the NIHR. It encompasses the pursuit of fair treatment, equal access to opportunities, equitable outcomes, and inclusive representation across all areas of research.

To build on this, the Leicester team has proposed five key recommendations to strengthen the EDI toolkit, with a particular focus on the specific challenges faced in statistical methodology research. These include conducting formal assessments and applying both prospective and retrospective evaluations that are sensitive to context and population.

The researchers also highlighted the importance of working with diverse datasets, clearly reporting EDI considerations and limitations, incorporating inclusive practices into dissemination strategies, and actively promoting EDI principles in the peer review process.

The research was funded by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) East Midlands and NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre.

Professor Laura Gray, Theme Lead for the NIHR ARC East Midlands Data2Health theme and Professor of Medical Statistics at the University of Leicester, said: “Integrating inclusive thinking into every stage of statistical methodology research isn’t just a matter of fairness, it leads to more meaningful, impactful results that truly reflect the needs of all communities.

“This work reinforces that designing studies with awareness of structural and social differences leads to stronger, more relevant evidence.”

She added: “The NIHR RSS EDI toolkit provides researchers with a vital, hands-on framework to guide the integration of inclusive practices at every stage of the research process.”

Statistical methodology research is a crucial part of healthcare research, involvingfinding new – or the best – statistical toolsto analyse data.

To further enhance public understanding and engagement, Professor Laura Gray has also co-developed accessible resources, including a , that explain statistical methodology and research techniques. These resources, created in collaboration with public contributors, can be downloaded at: .

NIHR ARC East Midlands funds vital work to tackle the region’s health and care priorities by speeding up the adoption of research into the frontline of health and social care. The organisation puts in place evidence-based innovations which seek to drive up standards of care and save time and money.

NIHR ARC East Midlands is hosted by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and works in collaboration with the East Midlands Academic Health Science Network. It has bases at the University of Leicester and the University of Nottingham.

To access the full research study, .