UNITE was established as part of the University of Kentucky’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Master Plan (August 2020) to bring together diverse groups of investigators, trainees, colleges, and research groups with a focus on research surrounding racial equity. The overall goal of the UNITE Research Priority Area  is to elevate impactful research on racial equity and increase racial diversity at the University of Kentucky by leveraging existing strengths and forging new relationships. 

As the population of people of color in the Commonwealth continues to grow, the UNITE RPA finds it critical to develop, engage and promote racial equity through research to impact change. UNITE also seeks to foster mutually beneficial relationships between the university, faculty researchers, and Black and Latinx, indigenous, and other communities of color. The UNITE RPA is committed to designing and supporting research focused programs that engage historically underrepresented communities, students and faculty.