Online course: Integrating sex and gender in health research and policy

Upcoming course: Integrating Sex and Gender in Health Research and Policy

Online | 23 February – 3 April 2026

Delivered by the School of Public Health at Imperial College London, in collaboration with the MESSAGE Project at The George Institute for Global Health

Sex and gender shape every aspect of human health, influencing disease risk, clinical presentation, treatment response and health outcomes. Despite this, the ‘male default’ continues to dominate health research and policy, resulting in data gaps that compromise both scientific validity and equity.

This six-week online course provides participants with the conceptual understanding and practical tools to integrate sex and gender considerations throughout the research process. The training aligns with emerging global standards and new research funder requirements for sex and gender equity in research design, analysis and reporting.

Through lectures, case studies and interactive discussions, participants will develop the knowledge and skills to strengthen the rigour, reproducibility and impact of their work.

Why take this course?

• - Learn how sex and gender influence health outcomes across the life course.
• - Develop skills to design and evaluate research with a sex and gender lens.
• - Understand emerging funder requirements and best practices in equitable research.
• - Connect with an international cohort of diverse professionals committed to advancing equity in health.
• - Earn an Imperial College London Certificate of Completion.

This course is designed for all professionals in the health and research sectors (preclinical and clinical researchers, clinicians and policymakers) and is suitable for participants from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. Teaching is delivered by subject matter experts from leading institutions and organisations in the UK and internationally, through pre-recorded lectures, virtual activities and live online sessions.