The session “Breaking down barriers: promoting inclusive research participation and data sharing in dementia” explored how to make dementia research more representative and collaborative. Speakers discussed factors that influence participation, particularly among underrepresented groups, and the value of responsible data sharing in accelerating discovery. Paddy Crosbie, member of the European Dementia Carers Working Group, shared perspectives from lived experience, Michael Schöll (University of Gothenburg) presented lessons from the REAL-AD and AD-RIDDLE studies, Matt Clement (Gates Ventures) highlighted how the AD Data Initiative and EPND are advancing data-driven science, and Lukas Duffner (Alzheimer Europe) outlined findings from a public poll on attitudes to dementia research and data sharing. The session was chaired by Angela Bradshaw (Alzheimer Europe) and supported by Gates Ventures.