The Association of Clinical Research Professionals
Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
ACRP honors Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of the AAPI community in clinical research.
Thank you for all you do to promote excellence in clinical research.
“Efforts to enhance AAPI representation in clinical trials are ongoing, with initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in research participation and addressing barriers to recruitment and retention. This is crucial for advancing health equity and ensuring that healthcare interventions are effective for all populations, including the AAPI community.”
— Ruma Bhagat, MD, MPH, Senior Director, Global Health Equity and Population Science, Genentech; Member, ACRP Diversity Advisory Council
READ MORE > Health Equity Expert Values AAPI Heritage Month as Chance to Advocate for Diversity in Clinical Trials
“Individuals of AAPI heritage are actively engaged in the field of clinical research in the United States, contributing their expertise and insights across various roles and sectors. However, there are notable disparities in representation, particularly in leadership positions and decision-making roles, compared to their presence in the overall population.”
— Kiruthika Arumugam, MS, Clinical Data Operator, Natera, Inc.; Treasurer, ACRP Northern California Chapter
READ MORE > Data Professional Reflects on Her ‘Journey Back into Clinical Research’ During AAPI Heritage Month
“Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month allows those of us in the clinical research industry to discuss and share social and cultural barriers that may be preventing AAPI populations from being interested in—or aware—of clinical trials. This month facilitates the opportunity to learn and develop culturally sensitive outreach programs that better connect with AAPI communities.”
— Justin Chia, Project Manager, ICON; ACRP Ride4DEI Cyclist
“Asian populations are highly heterogeneous, originating from many countries–including South Korea, China, India, Vietnam, Taiwan, and the Philippines–each with widely differing cultures and languages. Across ethnicities, there may be cultural and language barriers to taking part in clinical trials. AAPI populations may not be aware of the benefits of clinical research, including gaining access to cutting-edge treatments that might not otherwise be available.”
— Eunjoo Pacifici, PharmD, PhD, Chair of the Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences; Associate Professor of Regulatory and Quality Sciences, USC School of Pharmacy
READ MORE > Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: Boosting Clinical Trial Participation (May 2023)
“The Asian American population is really not representative in clinical research and how can we change that? And how do we find a diverse staff to help represent them as well? I’m hoping that advocating more can bring young professionals into the field.”
Irena Davies, CCRC, Clinical Research Manager, Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation; Board Secretary, ACRP Upper Midwest Chapter
“Since it’s well documented that diversity is a catalyst for innovation, increasing the representation of all racial/ethnic groups, including Asian Americans, is essential for the vitality and long-term sustainability of the clinical and scientific workforce.”
Jamie Mihoko Doyle, PhD, Program Director, Division of Clinical Innovation; Clinical and Translational Science Awards Program Branch, Digital & Mobile Technologies Section; National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health
READ MORE > Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month: NIH’s Efforts to Improve Community Outreach (May 2023)
2024 National AANHPI Heritage Month Theme
The Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), the premier organization representing Asian American, Native Hawai’ian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) employees in the Federal and District of Columbia governments, is proud to announce the 2024 National AANHPI Heritage Month Theme: “Advancing Leaders Through Innovation’.”
“Advancing Leaders Through Innovation,” pays homage to the visionaries and trailblazers who have shaped our AANHPI history and continue to influence our collective future.
Learn More >
The ACRP Diversity Advisory Council
The Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) is a group of industry leaders who serve as a volunteer resource supporting ACRP’s efforts to increase diversity in the clinical research workforce.
DAC members firmly believe that a diverse workforce is part of the solution to the lack of patient diversity in clinical trials. The DAC’s scope is to recommend and help implement strategies to recruit, retain, and advance outstanding, high-quality clinical research professionals and students from historically underrepresented groups.
Learn More >
Educational Resources
Reducing Cancer Disparities Among Asian American and Pacific Islander Populations
What Race and Ethnicity Measure in Pharmacologic Research
Addressing Asian American Misrepresentation and Underrepresentation in Research
Achieving Equity in Asian American Health Care: Critical Issues and Solutions
Trends in Clinical Research Including Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Participants Funded by the US National Institutes of Health, 1992 to 2018
Diversity of Research Personnel: Knowing Who We Are to Know Who We Serve >
