Diversity in Clinical Trials

Developing community-oriented clinical trialists

The Robert A. Winn Diversity in Clinical Trials Award program, created by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, develops clinical investigators who are racially and ethnically diverse or who are committed to increasing diversity in clinical trials, and exposes promising, underrepresented minority medical students to clinical research career pathways.

The Winn Award program is training world-class clinical research scientists with additional knowledge, skills and competencies in effective community outreach and engagement. This new generation of physician investigators has the potential to transform the clinical research landscape by conducting clinical trials designed with the goal of increasing the diversity of their participants.

Winn program snapshot

5-year program
$114 MM investment
290+ clinical trial investigators
290+ unrepresented Medical Students

Learn more about diversity in clinical trials

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"Its focus on helping clinical trialists become experienced in community engagement research methods is key to developing the trust necessary to realize an increase in clinical trial participation by people of color, yet we have not seen this in any other program of this kind."

Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, MD, director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health

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“I’m awed by this inaugural group of clinicians, who have demonstrated their passion for and dedication to addressing the disparities in clinical research through community engagement.”

Robert A. Winn, MD, director, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, and chair of the National Advisory Committee of the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Diversity in Clinical Trials Career Development Program.

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Winn scholar representation

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“Through my participation in the program, I hope to ultimately improve patient diversity and outcomes for all globally. People should be aware that doctors want to cover the entire population in clinical trials. It is not one group that we specifically care about, but rather the whole community.”

Beatriz Wills, MD

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“What I love about this program is that we not only have the opportunity to be mentored, but also to be a mentor -- it is a sustainable initiative. We are inspiring soon-to-be physicians to be investigators one day. It is a brilliant, beautiful pipeline.”

Oluwadamilola Oladeru, MD

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“Every clinical trial involves the unknown. Therefore, the currency for clinical trials is trust. Patients have to be able to trust that the researchers have their best interests in mind and are being transparent about what they are doing. And fostering that type of trust requires a real connection.”

Richard Silvera, MD

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“Anytime a patient goes on a clinical trial, that is a gift to humanity -- one patient’s involvement can make a significant impact down the road for all of humanity.”

Michael Goodman, MD

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Developing community-oriented clinical trialists

Winn scholar representation