Abstract Body: Background: Considerations of equity in funding and conduct of medical research are receiving greater attention. However, perspectives of diverse stakeholder groups on this topic are poorly characterized. Our study aimed to further understand various stakeholder perspectives and associated priorities regarding perceived inequities in medical research, with a particular interest in the field of stroke.

Methods: We employed a qualitative descriptive methodology embedded in an interpretive grounded theory framework. This approach involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews with researchers, funders, patients, and members of the public. Participants were asked to discuss their perspectives on the current state of equity in stroke and medical research funding. Collected data were analyzed using constant comparison, open-coding, and theme identification to generate a substantive theory.

Results: We conducted 41 interviews involving 11 researchers, 10 funders, 10 patients, and 10 members of the public. Participants perceived several inequities in research participation, funding opportunities, topic prioritization, and lack of international collaborations inclusive of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Potential strategies to address these inequities were also identified. Through participants’ perspectives, we developed a central theory that addressing inequities in medical research and funding can promote collaborative spaces and produce greater research impact for society, regardless of demographics, socioeconomic status, and geographical residence.

Conclusion: Participants perceived various inequities in the funding and conduct of medical research. However, based on the insights into potential solutions that we gained from their diverse perspectives, we are optimistic that addressing these inequities will help broaden the societal impact of stroke research and that these solutions will also result in more equitable outcomes and impact, inclusive of LMICs.