The purpose of the study is to assess research practices among health education researchers on the types of topics evaluated; design and measurement methods used; common recruitment and sampling strategies; and ways of addressing communication and language issues. This study aims to initiate a dialogue about conducting research with these ethnic/minority/underserved populations. Additionally, from the researchers surveyed, this study will provide an inventory of which populations have been studied and in what settings, reveal barriers which have been encountered by researchers in the research process and identify recommendations to possibly improve how we conduct research with vulnerable populations and/or racial/ethnic minority groups. Participants eligible for the study were selected from corresponding authors of articles on research with racial/ethnic and minority populations who published in refereed health-related journals from 1987 to March, 2007. 209 authors, for whom a valid United States Postal Service mailing address was identified, were included in the study. The study was conducted via mailed questionnaire, which was sent to the participants with a letter of invitation in April, 2007. The 10-page questionnaire comprised a total of 10 sections, with forced-response, Likert scale and qualitative questions about Methodology, Populations, Locations and Research Topics. Recommendations will be made, as appropriate, to establish a list of “best practices” for conducting research with racial/ethnic minority populations to simplify the research process; enhance the healthcare providers' access to quality research and provide solid basis for equitable and appropriate health care for all. Keyword(s): multiculturalism/cultural diversity, research, standards and ethics