Oral Presentation Australasian Association of Bioethics and Health Law Conference

Epistemic injustice in health research: from study underrepresentation to global marginalisation (2035)

John Noel Viana 1
  1. The Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia

The concept of epistemic injustice by Miranda Fricker refers to wrongs experienced by someone in their capacity as a subject of knowledge. Other scholars such as Himani Bhakuni and Syed Abimbola have extended the concept to a systemic and institutional level, illustrating how global health knowledge production, use, and circulation undermine the contributions of partners in low-to-middle income countries. This presentation explores how epistemic injustice can be used to underline the multi-scalar and multi-faceted nature of health research disparities. Drawing from findings of previous studies on precision health, COVID-19 vaccination, and palliative care, I will discuss how epistemic injustice can serve as a lens to examine the marginalisation of both research participants and researchers from minority backgrounds and/or the Global South. I will highlight epistemic injustice not just in how they are underrepresented in studies or projects, but also in how existing research infrastructures or technologies can fundamentally limit their participation. I will conclude by underscoring the need for equitable intersectional inclusion in health research, where people from minority backgrounds and the Global South, especially those experiencing intersectional disadvantage, are included as project partners and leaders. Ultimately, addressing epistemic injustices require not just including minority bodies, but acknowledging their perspectives, uplifting their testimonies, and challenging hegemonic systems that harm their interests.