Research studies involving human subjects require collection of and reporting on demographic data related to race and ethnicity. However, existing practices lack standardized guidelines, leading to misrepresentation and biased inferences and conclusions for underrepresented populations in research studies. For instance, sometimes there is a misconception that self-reported racial or ethnic identity may be treated as a biological variable with underlying genetic implications, overlooking its role as a social construct reflecting lived experiences of specific populations. In this manuscript, we use the We All Count data equity framework, which organizes data projects across seven stages: Funding, Motivation, Project Design, Data Collection, Analysis, Reporting, and Communication. Focusing on data collection and analysis, we use examples – both real and hypothetical – to review common practice and provide critiques and alternative recommendations. Through these examples and recommendations, we hope to provide the reader with some ideas and a starting point as they consider embedding a lens of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusivity from research conception to dissemination of findings.

Inflammation and infections such as malaria affect micronutrient biomarker concentrations and hence estimates of nutritional status. It is unknown whether correction for C-reactive protein (CRP) and α1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) fully captures the modification in ferritin concentrations during a malaria infection, or whether environmental and sociodemographic factors modify this association. Cross-sectional data from eight surveys in children aged 6–59 months (Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria and Zambia; n 6653) from the Biomarkers Reflecting Inflammation and Nutritional Determinants of Anaemia (BRINDA) project were pooled. Ferritin was adjusted using the BRINDA adjustment method, with values < 12 μg/l indicating iron deficiency. The association between current or recent malaria infection, detected by microscopy or rapid test kit, and inflammation-adjusted ferritin was estimated using pooled multivariable linear regression. Age, sex, malaria endemicity profile (defined by the Plasmodium falciparum infection prevalence) and malaria diagnostic methods were examined as effect modifiers. Unweighted pooled malaria prevalence was 26·0 % (95 % CI 25·0, 27·1) and unweighted pooled iron deficiency was 41·9 % (95 % CI 40·7, 43·1). Current or recent malaria infection was associated with a 44 % (95 % CI 39·0, 52·0; P < 0·001) increase in inflammation-adjusted ferritin after adjusting for age and study identifier. In children, ferritin increased less with malaria infection as age and malaria endemicity increased. Adjustment for malaria increased the prevalence of iron deficiency, but the effect was small. Additional information would help elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the role of endemicity and age in the association between malaria and ferritin.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The mission of our new Anti-racism in Data and Analysis seminar series is to provide a forum for researchers to discuss the ways that race and racism show up in data and analysis so that we as scientists may work together to advance racial equity and justice in society. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Our CTSA’s Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Research Design (BERD) Program has initiated a seminar series that focuses on the ways that race and racism show up in all phases of the research process. We have hosted guest speakers who have shared their cutting-edge research as well as their reflections on race in research, and have facilitated breakout discussions to provide a forum for researchers to discuss specific questions. Our seminars are intended for practicing clinicians, clinical and population researchers, basic scientists, students, and others. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We have sponsored three discussion-based seminars and two guest speaker seminars, and have several seminars of each type in the planning stages. We have collaborated with another CTSA to sponsor a discussion-based seminar at their institution, thus outfitting them with the tools to initiate a seminar series of their own. Our seminars have been extremely well attended, attracting researchers from a broad base of departments at our institution, from students to full professors. Feedback has been very positive; complaints cluster around paucity of similar opportunities, and students have asked why such material is not included as a required part of their respective training programs. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Race and racism permeate research, and failure to recognize and address the issues involved perpetuates racism in our society. Researchers want to learn more, but there are few opportunities for them to do so. Our seminar series provides one such forum to researchers at our institution and beyond.