On July 11, 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the newest members of the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Human Research Protections (SACHRP). Among the three new appointees is The Ohio State University Moritz College Law’s Ruqaiijah Yearby, Kara J Trott Professor in Health Law.

“It’s an honor to be selected,” shared Yearby. Professor Yearby is most looking forward to the opportunity to provide assistance to the agencies seeking SACHRP’s input.

Yearby and her colleagues were appointed to serve four-year terms on the SACHRP. One of the first priorities the committee will tackle is developing recommendations to the Food and Drug Administration and the Office of Human Research Protections regarding institutional review boards and the use of human subjects in research.

Oftentimes, medical researchers fail to consider the Justice Principle, which mandates the selection of research subjects be equitable. “In order to ensure that the selection is equitable, researchers must ensure that vulnerable populations are not targeted and receive the benefits of the medical research studies [in which they are participating],” explained Yearby.  Quick and easy access to a population should not solely warrant their selection for research.

Creator of the Vulnerability and Equity Impact Assessment tool©, Yearby is an expert on the Justice Principle making her uniquely qualified to serve on this committee. Professor Yearby created this tool as a practical guide for researchers to comply with the Justice Principle.

According to Yearby, research studies that focus on those who are most impacted by the research have greater success especially when a foundational relationship is established before research ever begins.

Professor Yearby’s long-standing goal is to support researchers and universities in their understanding of the nexus between research and community. Community-based participatory research benefits all.