Millions of young people could miss out on safe and effective treatments because too few take part in medical research, new data reveals. Members of Gen Z (aged 18–24) are significantly underrepresented in health studies across England, prompting warnings that future treatments may not meet their needs.
According to an analysis of National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) data, young adults make up 8% of England’s population but only 4.4% of medical research participants. Between 2021 and 2024, just 32,879 people in this age group took part in 5,042 NIHR-backed studies — fewer than seven participants per study.
Experts warn that this lack of involvement could have lasting consequences. Kirsty Blenkins, deputy chief executive of the Association for Young People’s Health, said many treatments are tested primarily on older adults, meaning they may be “unsafe, ineffective, or inappropriate” for younger patients. “Young people face unique health challenges — from mental health pressures to chronic conditions like asthma, obesity, and diabetes — and research that excludes them risks worsening inequalities,” she said.
Barriers to participation include limited awareness of opportunities, lack of targeted outreach, and concerns about privacy or stigma. Blenkins called for more inclusive study design and youth engagement at every stage of the research process.
Dr Esther Mukuka, NIHR’s director for research inclusion, stressed that health research affects everyone — not just those with serious illnesses. “Research shapes how we manage everyday conditions and mental health support,” she said. “If young people don’t take part, the treatments of tomorrow won’t reflect their needs.”
The NIHR has launched a UK-wide volunteer registry to make joining studies easier, matching participants to projects based on their health concerns or interests. Mukuka added that even healthy volunteers are vital: “Giving a saliva sample or filling out a short survey can help shape the NHS of the future.”
Dr Wendy Macdowall of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine noted that women and ethnic minorities are also underrepresented in research, calling for broader inclusion. “Understanding how different groups experience treatments is essential to avoid reinforcing existing health inequities,” she said.
Experts agree that increasing Gen Z participation is critical — not only to improve care for young people now, but to ensure that the medical advances of the future truly work for everyone.
