Abstract Research offers the potential for new treatments, programs and services, and underlies decisions about funding that can have profound implications for people’s lives. When racism in research is not addressed, children and their families will be unjustly impacted by systemic discrimination, exclusion, and inequity. With a growing acknowledgement that racism is a social determinant of health, and as COVID-19 reveals staggering racial disparities, we believe now is the time for intentional anti-racism initiatives throughout the research ecosystem to prevent further harms in patient care and the lives and futures of children. We aim to highlight this need for justice, and conclude with a series of practical recommendations, ranging from the collection and use of race-based data, to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) education, to mentorship opportunities.