Millions of young people could miss out on safe and effective treatments because too few take part in medical research, new data shows.
People aged 18–24 make up 8% of England’s population but only 4.4% of clinical trial participants, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Experts warn that without their involvement, future treatments may not meet young people’s needs.
“Young adults face distinct health challenges, from mental health to chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes,” said Kirsty Blenkins of the Association for Young People’s Health. “If research excludes them, treatments may be unsafe or ineffective.”
Dr Esther Mukuka from the NIHR said many young people don’t realise how vital research is for shaping care across the NHS. “Even filling out a short survey or providing a saliva sample helps,” she said.
The NIHR has launched a volunteer registry to encourage wider participation, while experts stress that more inclusive research design is essential to ensure new treatments work for everyone.
