In 2024, momentum is building for improved integration of sex and gender in medical research
Following the launch of the MESSAGE project in January 2023, there has been exciting and widespread engagement among the UK’s medical research sector on the need to improve how research accounts for sex and gender dimensions. Since December 2023, 32 members of the UK medical research sector have shown their support for the MESSAGE project’s aims in public statements showcasing their commitment to improved integration of sex and gender in biomedical, health and care research.
These signatories contribute an estimated £4.1 billion per year to UK medical research, and their support will lead to significant change in how sex and gender are accounted for in research. Given the critical influence of sex and gender on health and wellbeing, research with sex and gender sensitive design will be more rigorous, and will improve medical knowledge, treatments and outcomes for all people.
You can find a full list of the organisations and their statements of support here:
Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC)
Asthma & Lung UK
BMJ Medicine
BMJ Open
Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland
Elsevier, including The Lancet Group and Cell Press
Epilepsy Action
Fight for Sight/Vision Foundation
Health Research Authority (HRA)
Medical Research Council (MRC)
Men’s Health Forum
Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
In 2024, momentum continues to build, with the MESSAGE project being cited in UK parliament by MP Andrew Griffith, Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation, who highlighted our work to ensure that female patients are included in medical research and clinical trials.
Later this year, we will launch the co-designed MESSAGE sex and gender policy framework for research funders. Adoption of new sex and gender policies based on this framework will be a critical step for improving the quality, accuracy and equity of UK research.
As awareness of the need for sex and gender equity in medical research grows, please reach out to the MESSAGE team if you would like to learn more or share your own statement of support.