No Representation, No Generalization: Health Equity in Research
Wed Feb 04 2026
In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Kate Wallis and Dr. Diana Montoya-Williams to explore the essential topic of health equity in scientific research. The scientists examine the critical importance of rigorous research design and the transformative role of community engagement in conducting meaningful health studies. They address common methodological mistakes that compromise research validity, particularly focusing on how race and ethnicity are contextualized in scientific studies. Throughout the conversation, there is an emphasis on the need for greater transparency in research practices and how community involvement strengthens both the quality and relevance of scientific work. Despite acknowledging significant challenges in achieving health equity, the episode concludes on a hopeful note by highlighting the power of community solidarity and engagement in advancing public health outcomes.
Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p726HlABGRI
(00:00) Intro & Public Health Update
(04:22) What's A Health/Science News Item That Caught Your Attention?
(06:43) A Collaborative Project About How Science Has Failed Certain Communities
(12:04) Common Mistakes In Research Validity
(16:24) Understanding Race & Ethnicity In Research
(21:25) What Does True Community Engagement Look Like?
(30:07) What's Giving You Hope In Public Health And Science Right Now?
https://www.inquirer.com/health/expert-opinions/autism-treatments-myths-fda-cdc-changes-20251204.html
https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsopenscience/article/2/1/1/205504/Consensus-Recommendations-for-Antiracist-Child?searchresult=1
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PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.
Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers.
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In this episode, Jess and Sarah welcome Dr. Kate Wallis and Dr. Diana Montoya-Williams to explore the essential topic of health equity in scientific research. The scientists examine the critical importance of rigorous research design and the transformative role of community engagement in conducting meaningful health studies. They address common methodological mistakes that compromise research validity, particularly focusing on how race and ethnicity are contextualized in scientific studies. Throughout the conversation, there is an emphasis on the need for greater transparency in research practices and how community involvement strengthens both the quality and relevance of scientific work. Despite acknowledging significant challenges in achieving health equity, the episode concludes on a hopeful note by highlighting the power of community solidarity and engagement in advancing public health outcomes. Watch the conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p726HlABGRI (00:00) Intro & Public Health Update (04:22) What's A Health/Science News Item That Caught Your Attention? (06:43) A Collaborative Project About How Science Has Failed Certain Communities (12:04) Common Mistakes In Research Validity (16:24) Understanding Race & Ethnicity In Research (21:25) What Does True Community Engagement Look Like? (30:07) What's Giving You Hope In Public Health And Science Right Now? https://www.inquirer.com/health/expert-opinions/autism-treatments-myths-fda-cdc-changes-20251204.html https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsopenscience/article/2/1/1/205504/Consensus-Recommendations-for-Antiracist-Child?searchresult=1 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interested in advertising with us? Please reach out to advertising@airwavemedia.com, with “Unbiased Science” in the subject line. PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. The information provided herein do not represent the views of our employers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices