Being Black and Brown in Bioethics

A qualitative study into the experiences of postgraduate researchers in different racial groups

This study is being conducted as part of an IME-funded research project at the University of Bristol’s Centre for Ethics of Medicine, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Oxford’s Ethox Centre and the Black and Brown in Bioethics network. This study aims to understand the experiences of postgraduate researchers from minoritised ethnic backgrounds working in UK bioethics, by investigating whether and to what extent they are affected by (in)direct racism. The study also aims to identify possible strategies for reducing racial inequity in bioethics. The study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (ref: 15169).

Quick Links

– Read the participant information sheet here: Online | PDF
– Go to the survey here: Online
– View the study poster here: PDF
– Read the information, providing help and support for participants, here: Online| PDF
– Contact the study team: E-mail

Research Team

The study is being led by Harleen Kaur Johal (Principal Investigator), a PhD Candidate and NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow, with an interest in racial disparities. The wider research team includes:

  • Nako Abdullah (Research Associate) – PhD Candidate, University of Bristol
  • Matimba Swana (Co-Investigator) – PhD Candidate, University of Bristol
  • Kumeri Bandara (Co-Investigator) – DPhil Candidate, University of Oxford
  • Mehrunisha Suleman (Co-Investigator and Academic Advisor) – Director of Medical Ethics and Law Education at the Ethox Centre, University of Oxford
  • Zuzana Deans (Co-Investigator and Academic Advisor) – Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Ethics in Medicine, University of Bristol

Our Approach

There is growing evidence of racial inequity in academia and healthcare. Bioethics postgraduate researchers (PGRs) are students working at the intersection of these two systems, yet the experiences of ethnic minority PGRs working in bioethics are comparatively underexplored. This study aims to understand the experiences of PGRs from ethnic minority backgrounds working in UK bioethics, by investigating the extent to which they are affected by (in)direct racism at individual and/or systemic levels. The study also aims to identify possible strategies for reducing racial inequity in bioethics.

Our approach has been guided by the principles of co-design. An online survey, exploring bioethics PGRs’ experiences of racism, will be disseminated amongst PGRs networks in the UK. Respondents will be asked to participate in an online interview to further elaborate on their experiences. Research questions and topic guides for c. 10-15 semi-structured interviews will be designed based on a thematic analysis of the online survey data.

Following this, data from interviews will be thematically analysed to identify existing issues and possible strategies for resolving these issues. The research team will then host an online workshop, to which interview participants will be invited, where the preliminary themes will be presented. The research team will seek feedback from workshop participants on these themes and the proposed strategies for reducing racial inequity. The entire study will be conducted using online resources to minimise costs and our carbon footprint, while promoting accessibility. Findings will be disseminated among research participants and the IME, presented at national conferences, and published in leading bioethics journals.

This study follows on from existing efforts to engage with meaningful and high-quality inclusive research. We hope that by mapping the current landscape and learning from both positive and negative experiences, this study will take important initial steps in improving research culture within UK bioethics.