Integrating sex and gender in health research and policy

Course Description

Sex and gender influence the medical conditions people develop, the symptoms they experience, the treatment they receive, and their overall health outcomes. Despite this, historically and today, consideration of sex and gender dimensions is not the norm in health research and policy.

The use of the “male default” in research has led to poor representation and consideration of women and girls, as well as trans, non-binary and intersex people, in research. Limited consideration of how sex and gender affect health and illness weakens the quality, reproducibility and potential impact of research, which translates into worse health outcomes for all people.

Addressing sex and gender inequity in health research is an urgent priority, and research funders around the world are implementing requirements that researchers account for sex and gender in study design as a condition of funding. Whether you are a researcher, policy professional, clinician, or working in other roles in the health research sector, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to ensure your work meets new standards of rigour and equity in relation to sex and gender.