Millions of young people could miss out on effective treatments because so few take part in medical research, experts warn.
Data from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) shows that 18- to 24-year-olds make up 8% of England’s population but only 4.4% of research participants, meaning new treatments are often tested mainly on older adults.
“This can lead to medicines that aren’t safe or appropriate for younger people,” said Kirsty Blenkins of the Association for Young People’s Health, citing barriers such as low awareness, poor recruitment, and privacy concerns.
Dr Esther Mukuka, NIHR’s director for research inclusion, said many young people don’t realise that studies also cover common issues like diabetes and mental health. “If they don’t take part, future treatments won’t reflect their needs,” she said.
The NIHR has launched a campaign and volunteer registry to make it easier for young people to join trials. “Even healthy volunteers can help shape the NHS of tomorrow,” Mukuka added.
Experts also warned that women and ethnic minorities remain underrepresented, risking wider health inequities in future research.
