Tackling the lack of diversity in cancer research

Despite the clear benefit of studying biological samples from diverse genetic backgrounds and geographical locations, our current knowledge of disease is mostly derived from the study of Europeandescent individuals. In the cancer field, this is reflected in the poor representation of African and Amerindian/Latino samples in most large public data repositories. This lack of diversity is due to several reasons, but here we focus on (1) the lack of support for studies on non-European populations that are performed in low- and middleincome countries (LMICs), and (2) unequal partnerships between scientists in LMICs and those in high-income countries. We argue that expanding access to research funding, increasing the participation of underrepresented scientists in editorial boards and international conferences, facilitating the publication of studies conducted in these countries, and properly acknowledging LMIC researchers' contributions in publications and grant applications will promote equity for scientists working in LMICs. We envisage that this will translate to more impactful research in these countries, which will include more samples from diverse populations. For the cancer field, this will broaden our understanding of pathomechanisms and may help to improve the treatment of patients from all backgrounds.

Automated summary

The lack of diversity in current academic research is mainly due to insufficient support for studying non-European populations and unequal partnerships between scientists in different income countries. Expanding research funding, increasing the participation of underrepresented scientists, and properly acknowledging the contributions of researchers from low- and middle-income countries can promote equity and lead to more impactful research with diverse samples, improving our understanding of diseases and treatment.