what is a research study volunteer

• Department of Health and Human Services
• National Institutes of Health

Program for Healthy Volunteers

What is the clinical research volunteer program (crvp).

Since 1954, the NIH Clinical Center, through the Clinical Research Volunteer Program, has provided an opportunity for healthy volunteers–local, national, and international–to participate in medical research studies (sometimes called protocols or trials). Healthy volunteers provide researchers with important information for comparison with people who have specific illnesses. Every year, nearly 3,500 healthy volunteers participate in studies at NIH.

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What are the benefits of volunteering to take part in clinical research?

Healthy volunteers who take part in clinical research studies at NIH may:

• Receive a thorough physical exam (in some studies)
• Receive compensation for taking part in a study
• Further medical knowledge
• Have the satisfaction of helping someone suffering from a chronic, serious, or life-threatening illness
• Provide important scientific information for developing new disease treatments

Will I be compensated?

The NIH compensates study participants for their time and, in some instances, for the inconvenience of a procedure. There are standard compensation rates for the participant's time; the study's principal investigator determines inconvenience rates. NIH reports compensation of $600 or more to the Internal Revenue Service and sends a "Form 1099-Other Income" to the participant at the end of the year. Please be aware that some or all of that compensation may be garnished if the participant has outstanding debts to the federal or state government.

What kinds of clinical studies are available?

There are about 300 studies available to healthy volunteers. You can find information on these studies on the Clinical Center's home page under Search the Studies . Type in the keywords: healthy and normal.

Studies for both inpatients and outpatients vary in length of time, location (onsite at the NIH Clinical Center, the NIH hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, or at off-site facilities in other areas), age, gender, special requirements, medical exclusions, and procedures. You select the studies that interest you the most and for which you think you would qualify.

Are there any risks?

The NIH staff will explain any risks, requirements, restrictions, or possible side effects before you agree to take part in any study. It is wise and important that you ask them any questions or voice any concerns before you make a decision about taking part.

How are studies approved for volunteer participation?

Before a study is approved for volunteer participation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reviews and approves any that involve an investigational drug. If the study involves radiation, the NIH Radiation Safety Committee must review and approve it. These reviews and approvals must take place before any volunteer is invited to participate in a research study.

In addition, physicians, scientists, and lay people rigorously screen all studies for safety, ethics, and need. The clinical director of the supporting institute, that institute's Institutional Review Board, and the Clinical Center director are among with approval authority for each study.

How can I volunteer?

One way to volunteer is to join the registry for the Clinical Research Volunteer Program (CRVP). The CRVP, created in 1995, is a resource that helps match potential research volunteers to clinical research studies at the NIH Clinical Center. To participate in the registry, we'll ask you to provide some basic information and give us permission to share that information with the research teams. If you are a potential match to a study's requirements, the study team will contact you.

How do I enroll myself or my child?

You can contact us at 301-496-4763. Parents or guardians must call to register anyone under 18 years of age.

How can I find studies currently recruiting volunteers?

You can find information about research studies currently recruiting volunteers by viewing the clinical studies website . When searching the web site, type in these words: healthy volunteers and normal volunteers. Call (301) 496-4763 or toll free 1-800-892-3276 for more information.

To determine your eligibility for a study, you may need to complete medical questionnaire forms. An NIH staff member will ask you additional questions. It is critical that you are honest and thorough in providing information about your medical and psychiatric history and about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you take. Accurate information allows investigators to judge whether the study poses any risk to you. You also must let the investigator know of your participation in any other research studies--past, present, or planned.

Before agreeing to participate in any study, the investigator will give you a consent form that explains the study in detail and in everyday, non-medical language. By signing this form, you indicate that you understand the study and volunteer to participate. As a volunteer, you are free to withdraw from, interrupt, or refuse to take part in a study at any time.

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This page last updated on 02/13/2024

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Clinical Studies: Information for the Public and Potential Volunteers

Find studies seeking volunteers.

• Studies on the NIH Campus in Bethesda, Maryland (Intramural)
• Studies Across the Country (Extramural)

On this page:

What is a clinical study?

Who can participate in a clinical study, how can i find studies seeking volunteers.

A clinical study is a research study (sometimes called a trial or protocol) in which people agree to participate after providing informed consent. These are carefully designed studies that aim to uncover better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat conditions, or to better understand specific conditions or processes.

One of the most common types of clinical studies is a clinical trial, in which researchers work with volunteers to find out how a substance or action, also called an intervention, affects a person. Interventions are, for example, drugs, therapies or procedures, medical devices, or lifestyle changes (behaviors), such as changes in diet or level of physical activity. Clinical trials are often designed to see if the intervention prevents, finds, or improves a disease or condition. 

Clinical trials may compare experimental interventions with existing products or processes, or with a product or process that appears to be identical to the intervention being studied but which has no known effect, such as a dummy pill (called a placebo). Clinical trials can also compare two or more existing approaches to determine which is safer or more effective.

In randomized clinical trial, neither the volunteer nor the researcher know which intervention the volunteer is receiving. This ensures that the results are not impacted by any assumptions or preconceived notions of how the intervention will affect the volunteer.

Before being tested on people during in clinical trials, the drug, device, or other approach being studied has been shown to be safe and helpful in a laboratory (such as in studies of cells or tissues in test tubes) and, sometimes, in animals.

Another type of clinical study is an observational study. Observational studies are key to learning about the incidence, prevalence, and prognosis of a disease or condition. Population-based research studies—which are a type of observational study—are critical for estimating how many people are affected by specific conditions and the burden those conditions have on society.

Like clinical trials, researchers collect information about participants, including how treatments or other factors affect the volunteers; however, in observational studies, researchers do not play a role in assigning  the interventions. Observational studies therefore enable researchers to gain key insights into factors (sometimes called determinants) that may be linked to another condition or health outcome. In addition to medicines and other treatments, these factors may include, for example, behaviors, age, gender, and health conditions.  

Clinical studies enroll people— volunteers —who are alike in certain ways, depending on the study's purpose. The study's protocol tells who can join the study and spells out the characteristics that volunteers should have. These are called eligibility criteria . They may include age, gender, general health, and other risk factors. Many studies include healthy volunteers—people with no known significant health problems—as well as people with certain conditions or risk factors for a disease or illness.

Eligibility criteria are a key part of medical research. They help produce results we can trust. After those results are known, the information can help researchers find out who will be helped by the approach being studied—if it's shown to work. For example, a new drug might not work for people with one type of risk factor, or it may work better for men than for women. Eligibility criteria also help protect study participants. They help make sure that if a volunteer is likely to be harmed by something in the study, he or she is not exposed to that risk.

Researchers study only individuals who volunteer to participate in their study. A person who is interested in volunteering is informed about the risks and benefits of taking part in the study, including details about the study approach and any tests that may be performed. When a person decides to participate, he or she signs a consent form. This process is called informed consent, and it lasts as long as the person is in the study. In other words, a volunteer can change his or her mind and leave a study at any time.

Most research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)—which includes the NIDCD—is conducted at universities, medical schools, and other institutions nationwide and around the world. This includes research conducted in laboratories as well as clinical research. Similarly, clinical research studies are conducted in sites throughout the United States.

ClinicalTrials.gov , a website maintained by the NIH, provides current information about clinical studies for potential volunteers, family members, health providers, and others. You can search the entire database or go directly to a list of NIDCD-supported clinical studies .

ResearchMatch.org  is another tool to connect volunteers with appropriate studies. This free, confidential registry was developed in part through NIH funding. After you register on the site, you will receive emails about any studies that appear to be relevant, with instructions about how you can get more information about participating.

NIDCD scientists who work at the NIH in Bethesda, Maryland, also conduct clinical research in communication disorders, primarily in hearing and balance. These scientists and their staff are part of the NIDCD Division of Intramural Research . Most of their clinical studies are conducted at the NIH Clinical Center , the world’s largest complex devoted to clinical research. Here are the current NIDCD clinical studies at the NIH .

Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Trials

  what is a clinical trial.

Clinical trials are at the heart of all medical advances. They’re conducted with the help of human volunteers and aim to find out if a new drug, surgical procedure, medical device or new way of using an existing treatment is safe and effective.

Clinical trials follow strict ethical and legal codes and regulations to protect the safety and rights of volunteers. These rules are set and enforced by individuals and groups at the sites where the clinical trials take place. Such groups include an Institutional Review Board  and government agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration  and the Office of Human Research Protections.

  What is clinical science?

Clinical science is medical science that involves people. People volunteer to participate in carefully conducted investigations that ultimately uncover better ways to treat, prevent, diagnose and understand human disease. Clinical science includes trials that test new treatments and therapies, as well as long–term natural history studies, which provide valuable information about how disease and health progress.

  Why volunteer?

Without volunteers, we wouldn’t have many of the medicines and scientific discoveries we enjoy the benefits of today. Clinical trials offer you an opportunity to help scientists find better ways of preventing and treating diseases, improving health for all. By volunteering in a clinical trial, you or someone you love could:

• Have access to a new medical treatment before anyone else
• Help doctors and scientists better understand a disease, how it affects our health and how best to treat it
• Help move science and medicine forward to improve the health of others in your community

  Who participates in clinical trials?

All clinical trials have guidelines about who can participate, called inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both sets of criteria are based on factors such as age, gender, the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment history and other medical conditions.

Before joining a clinical trial, a participant must qualify for the study. Some studies look for participants with illnesses or conditions to be studied in the clinical trial, while others need healthy volunteers. Some studies need both types of volunteers.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria are not used to reject people personally; rather, the criteria are used to see if the study is a good fit for participants, keep them safe and help ensure scientists can find the information they need.

  Who is a healthy volunteer in a clinical trial?

In some studies, volunteers who are in good health are needed to test a new drug or device that has never been given to people or to only a few people. In clinical trials, these are often called “healthy volunteers.” Though it can be hard to know what “healthy” means, a healthy volunteer is typically a person who is free from the disease or condition being studied or who has no major health problems.

While participating in a clinical trial, a healthy volunteer is given a drug not to test if it will treat a disease, but rather to build new knowledge about the drug and to see if people can safely use it. Results from healthy volunteers are compared to results from patient volunteer s who do have the disease or condition.

  What is a patient volunteer?

A patient volunteer has a known health problem and participates in a study to better understand, diagnose, treat or cure that disease or condition. Like healthy volunteers, patient volunteers may participate in studies testing drugs, devices or interventions designed to prevent or treat disease.

In some studies, patient volunteers may be put into a group to take an inactive drug called a placebo. Placement in placebo groups is random, so each volunteer has an equal chance of getting either the active drug or the placebo.

  What questions should I ask?

Here are some questions to ask your doctor to help you decide if you want to take part in a clinical trial:

• What is the purpose of the study?
• Who will fund the study? 
• How are the results and the safety of participants monitored?
• How long will the study last? 
• What will I be asked to do if I participate? 

Possible Risks & Benefits

• What are my possible short-term benefits?
• What are my possible long-term benefits?
• What are my short-term risks, such as side effects?
• What are my possible long-term risks? 
• What other options do people with my disease have?
• How do the possible risks and benefits of this trial compare with those options?

Participation & Care

• What kinds of therapies, procedures and/or tests will I have during the trial?
• Will they hurt and, if so, for how long?
• How often does the study require me to go to the doctor or clinic?
• Will I be hospitalized? If so, how often and for how long?
• How do the tests in the study compare to those I would have outside of the trial?
• Will I be able to take my regular medications while in the clinical trial?
• Where will I have my medical care?
• Who will be in charge of my care?
• What follow-up will there be?
• What will happen at the end of the study?
• Will I be able to see my own doctor?

Personal Issues

• How could being in this study affect my daily life? 
• Can I talk to other people in the study?

Cost Issues

• Will I have to pay for any part of the trial?
• If so, what will the charges likely be?
• What is my health insurance likely to cover?
• Who can help answer any questions from my insurance company or health plan?
• Is there any reimbursement for travel costs or child care?

Tips for Asking Your Doctor About Trials

• Take a family member or friend along for support and to help ask questions or record answers.
• Plan your questions in advance so you don’t leave any out. Don't hesitate to ask any new questions you think of while you're there.
• Write down the answers so that you can review them whenever you want.
• Ask about bringing a tape recorder to make a taped record of what's said (even if you write down answers).

  What are the risks?

Some treatments that are being tested may have side effects that can be unpleasant, serious or even life-threatening. Because the treatments being studied are new, doctors don’t always know what the side effects will be. Many side effects last a short time and go away when the treatment is stopped. Others can be long-lasting or permanent. Some side effects appear during treatment, while others may not show up until after the treatment is over. The risks depend on the treatment being studied, and all known risks should be fully explained to you by the scientists in advance.

  How am I protected?

Informed consent.

To help you decide if you want to be in a study, the study team is required to go through key facts about a clinical trial with you. This process is called informed consent.

With the help of a document called the informed consent form, the study team will explain the details of the study to you and answer any questions you might have about the study and your participation in it. During informed consent, the study team should disclose:

• That the study involves an untested drug or device
• The purpose of the investigation
• How long the study will take
• What you will be asked to do if you participate
• What parts of the study are experimental
• Possible risks or discomforts
• Other procedures or treatments you might want to think about instead of those being studied
• Who will have access to study records (for example, the FDA) and how the records will be kept confidential
• Whether any medical treatments are available if you are hurt, what those treatments are, where they can be found and who will pay for the treatment
• Who to contact with questions about the study, your rights or if you get hurt
• That you can stop the study at any time without penalty

This process also continues throughout a study, so this information is constantly available to participants.

If you don’t understand the informed consent process or forms, be sure to ask the doctor or another medical person to explain it. Make sure you understand all of it before you agree to be in the study. It’s okay to ask questions.

Before you can take part in the study, you must sign the informed consent form to indicate you have been given this information and understand it. The informed consent form is not a contract. You can leave the study at any time, for any reason.

Institutional Review Board

Each clinical trial in the United States must be approved and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure that the risks are minimal and are worth any potential benefits. An IRB is an independent committee that consists of physicians, statisticians and members of the community who ensure that clinical trials are ethical and that the rights of participants are protected. Federal regulations require all institutions in the United States that conduct or support biomedical science involving people to have an IRB initially approve and periodically review the study.

For further reading about protocols, see: 

• Office of Human Research Protection
• Children's Assent to Clinical Trial Participation

For more information on participants’ privacy and confidentiality, see:

• National Institutes of Health, HIPAA Privacy Rule

FDA’s Drug Review Process:

• Ensuring Drugs Are Safe and Effective
• National Cancer Institute, Monitoring the Safety of Clinical Trials

  What are data-monitoring committees?

These committees are used mainly when one treatment is being compared to another. These committees are particularly important in tests of treatments for serious or life-threatening disease. These experts review information from studies to make sure they are being done in a way that is safest for the volunteers. During a study, if the committee finds that the treatment is harmful or of no benefit, it will stop the study. If a study shows that one treatment works better than another, the committee stops the study and all volunteers are offered the better treatment.

  What happens after a clinical trial is completed?

Next steps vary from study to study. You might be allowed to continue taking the study medication if you had a good response to it during the study, or you might be given a chance to take the study medication if you didn’t receive it. Most often, participation ends when the study ends because full safety information is not yet known.

Participants may also be given results from the study. Ask the study team members if the results have been or will be published. You can also find published study results by searching for the official name or protocol ID number in the National Library of Medicine's  PubMed database .

After a clinical trial is over, scientists carefully look at the information collected during the study to determine the drug's effectiveness, if it is safe and if there are any side effects. Depending on the results, scientists then decide whether to stop or continue testing the new drug or treatment. If scientists find the results are medically important, they may submit them to journals or scientific meetings for review by others in their field.

Results are also shared with government agencies in charge of the approval for new drugs, devices and treatments, such as the FDA. If a drug is approved, pharmaceutical companies may continue to conduct studies that compare the new drug’s safety, effectiveness and cost to other drugs already on the market or assess its long-term effectiveness and impact on quality of life.

Once a new approach has been shown to be safe and effective in a clinical trial, it may become the standard of medical practice.

• Department of Health and Human Services
• National Institutes of Health

Are Clinical Studies for You?

What are clinical studies.

Clinical studies are medical research studies in which people participate as volunteers. Clinical research studies (sometimes called trials or protocols) are a means of developing new treatments and medications for diseases and conditions. There are strict rules for clinical trials, which are monitored by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration . Some of the research studies at the Clinical Center involve promising new treatments that may directly benefit patients.

Our database of clinical studies being conducted by the National Institutes of Health at the Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland is accessible at Search the Studies . If you have any questions about participating in a clinical study here, please contact the Office of Patient Recruitment at: 1-800-411-1222 , TTY 1-866-411-1010 .

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What Are the Costs?

The Clinical Center does not charge patients for participation and treatment in clinical studies at NIH. In addition, in certain emergency circumstances, you may qualify for help with travel and other expenses.

Why Participate?

• Patients taking part in NIH Clinical Center studies are seen by a team of expert doctors, dentists, nurses, technicians, and support staff.
• Clinical Center patients often are first to receive promising new treatments before they become available in the community.
• Patients are helping others with the same disease, both today and in the future.

Risks and Benefits

It is important to understand that some risks are involved in clinical research, just as in routine medical care and activities of daily living. In thinking about the risks of research, it is helpful to focus on two things: the degree of harm that could result from taking part in the study, and the chance of any harm occurring. Most clinical studies pose risks of minor discomfort, lasting only a short time. Some volunteer subjects, however, experience complications that require medical attention. The specific risks associated with any research protocol are described in detail in the consent document, which you are asked to sign before taking part in research. In addition, the major risks of participating in a study will be explained to you by a member of the research team, who will answer your questions about the study. Before deciding to participate, you should carefully weigh these risks against possible benefits. You may or may not receive direct benefit for yourself and your condition as a result of participating in research, but in either case, you will know that the knowledge developed may help others.

Dealing with Fears

Many protections and safeguards for volunteer patients are built into the Clinical Research process. It may help alleviate some of your fears about participating in a clinical study to know what some of these are:

The Patient Bill of Rights All patients who take part in studies at the Clinical Center are protected by the Patient Bill of Rights , developed by the American Hospital Association for use in hospitals across the country. The Patients' Bill of Rights contains guidelines to ensure privacy and confidentiality of patients and their medical records. Hospital Accreditation As in any medical research facility, an institutional review board (IRB) must review and approve every new study at NIH before the study can begin. The IRB is made up of medical specialists, statisticians, nurses, social workers, medical ethicists, and members of the community. The IRB reviews protocols to ensure patient safety. In addition, The Joint Commission , periodically reviews the Clinical Center hospital to see if stringent standards, leading to Joint Commission accreditation, have been met.

About Informed Consent

Before entering a Clinical Center study, it is important that you as the patient fully understand the study and what your involvement would mean. Clinical Center staff members will help by providing you with an informed consent statement, which has detailed information about the study, including the length of the study, the number of visits required, and medical procedures and medications included. It also provides expected outcomes, potential benefits, and possible risks.

Clinical Center staff will review the informed consent statement with you and answer your questions. If you decide to participate after reviewing the statement and talking with staff and family members, you will need to sign the informed consent statement. Your signature indicates that you understand the study and agree to participate voluntarily.

Who Participates?

People who take part in Clinical Center studies include:

Children and adults wishing to improve their own health. They may be patients with newly diagnosed medical problems. They may have had the problems over a period of time, or they may have a family history of a certain disease. Healthy volunteers who seek to advance knowledge about causes, progress, and treatment of disease also can participate in clinical research. They provide important medical information to researchers by helping them compare how healthy people differ medically from those who have a specific disease.

To participate, patients and healthy volunteers must meet certain requirements, which are different for each study.

Information for Healthy Volunteers

There are about 300 studies available to healthy volunteers. You can find information on these studies at Search the Studies . (To search for studies accepting healthy volunteers, type in the keywords: 'healthy' and 'normal'.)

Will I be compensated as a healthy volunteer? Yes. NIH compensates volunteers for their time and, in some instances, for the inconvenience of a procedure. There are standard compensation rates for the volunteer's time; the study's principal investigator determines inconvenience rates. How can I volunteer? One way to volunteer is to join the registry for the Clinical Research Volunteer Program (CRVP). The CRVP, created in 1995, is a resource that helps match potential research volunteers to clinical research studies at the NIH Clinical Center. To participate in the registry, we'll ask you to provide some basic information and give us permission to share that information with the research teams. If you are a potential match to a study's requirements, the study team will contact you. How do I enroll myself or my child? You can contact us at 301-496-4763. Parents or guardians must call to register anyone under 18 years of age.

What Are the Main Types of Studies?

There are four types of drug studies:

Phase 1 studies test a potential new drug with a small number of volunteers for best dosage and potential side effects. Phase 2 studies test a drug with known dose and side effects with a larger number of volunteers to learn more about side effects, how the body uses the drug, and how the drug helps the condition. Phase 3 and 4 studies compare the new drug with a commonly used drug.

Other research may provide only indirect benefit to the patient by giving researchers information that may be an important first step toward developing a treatment. For example, research may show how a disease progresses or how it affects others systems in the body.

Patients can take part in clinical studies covering a wide range of medical diseases, conditions, and rare disorders affecting both children and adults, including those relating to AIDS, aging, alcohol abuse and alcoholism, allergy, cancer, digestive and kidney problems, diabetes, eye disorders, infectious diseases, genetics, mental health, neurological disorders, stroke, and others. There is an online database of current studies .

Making the Decision

It is important that patients be well informed and feel confident and secure about participating. Before deciding to participate, you should talk with your own doctors, family members, and Clinical Center staff. Be sure you know the answers to the following questions before you make your decision:

• What is the purpose of the study?
• What is required of me?
• What is my role in the study – am I a healthy volunteer or a patient volunteer?
• Will the study directly benefit me?
• Will the study benefit others?
• Are there risks? If so, what are they and what are the chances that they will occur?
• What discomforts are involved?
• What is the total time involved?
• Are there other inconveniences?
• Have I discussed participation in the study with those who are important to me, such as family and friends?
• Do I wish to participate in this study?

To take part in studies at the Clinical Center, referral by a medical practitioner is preferable. However, in certain instances, self-referral may be appropriate.

Patients and volunteers become partners in a special relationship with members of the research team who are searching for better ways to understand and treat disease. Their participation is critical for improving health today and in future generations. Please call us at 1-800-411-1222 , or e-mail us at [email protected] with any questions about how you or someone you know might participate.

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This page last updated on 02/14/2022

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The NIH Clinical Center does not endorse, authorize or guarantee the sponsors, information, products or services described or offered at this external site. You will be subject to the destination site’s privacy policy if you follow this link.

More information about the NIH Clinical Center Privacy and Disclaimer policy is available at https://www.cc.nih.gov/disclaimers.html

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Why Volunteer?

By volunteering for research, you can help researchers discover answers to questions to improve people’s lives.  

Research vs. Treatment

Doctors and researchers are committed to your care and safety. There are important differences between research and treatment plans.

The goal of research is to learn new things in order to help groups of people in the future. Researchers learn things by following the same plan with a number of participants, so they do not usually make changes to the plan for individual research participants. You, as an individual, may or may not be helped by volunteering for a research study.

The goal of treatment is to help you get better or to improve your quality of life. Doctors can make changes to your treatment plan as needed.  

It's Your Decision

When thinking about volunteering for a research study, you can:

• Talk with family, friends, or others before making a decision
• Ask as many questions as you want
• Change your mind at any time
• Leave a research study knowing that the treatments or services that you receive from your doctor, clinic, hospital, or others will not be affected  

Ask Questions

Before volunteering for a research study, you should know the answers to these questions:

• What is the research study about?
• How is this different from my treatment plan?
• What will I be asked to do?
• How much time will it take?
• Are there potential side effects or risks?
• What will happen if I have problems because of participating?
• Are there treatment options I should know about?
• How will my information be kept private or shared?
• Will I be billed for any costs?
• Will I be compensated for my time?
• Who can I contact with questions or concerns?
• How do I leave the study after I start?  

Regulations to Protect Volunteers in Research

Learn about the regulations that protect people who participate in research, why we have them, and who enforces them.

• Why do we have regulations to protect research participants?
• What are the principal regulations that protect research participants?
• Which federal office oversees and enforces the HHS regulations?
• Is there research that is not regulated by the Common Rule?
• Protecting humans in research is a shared responsibility.    

Informational Videos

This series provides basic information about research and are intended to help potential participants understand how research works, what questions they should consider asking, and things to think about when deciding whether to participate in a study.

Some videos are in both Spanish and English. Ver algunos videos en Español: Videos Informativos en Español .

What is Research? This video provides basic information about scientific research, the goals of research, and discusses how clinical research differs from medical care. ( ¿Qué es la investigación científica? )

Clinical Trials This video discusses types of human research with a focus on clinical trials, and explains common terms that potential participants should know. ( ¿Qué son los ensayos clínicos? )

Randomization This video explains the concept of randomization in research studies and what potential participants need to know when volunteering for a study with a randomized design. ( Aleatorización )

Questions to Ask This video emphasizes that participating in research is voluntary and encourages potential participants to ask questions and get the information they need to decide whether to participate. ( ¿Qué preguntas debe hacer? )

Participating in Social & Behavioral Health Research This video provides basic information about social and behavioral health research and what makes it different from clinical research.

Research Use of Information and Samples from Patient Care This video provides basic information about research use of information and biological samples from clinical care. 

How is Medical Research Different from Medical Care? This video explores the basic differences between medical research and medical care to help you make the right decision about whether to join a medical research study. 

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) This video explains the concept of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), which review certain research studies involving human volunteers to ensure that the studies meet ethical standards and regulatory requirements.

Research with Children: What Parents Need to Know" This video provides basic information for parents that may be considering research participation for their child(ren).  

For more videos and information about research participation, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services'(HHS) Office for Human Research Protections (ORHP) website .

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Quick Links

• UW School of Medicine

Research Study FAQs

Frequently asked questions about research studies, what is a research study.

A clinical trial, or research study, is the scientific term for a test or study of a drug, therapy, surgical procedure, medical device, or of nutrition or behavioral changes in people. The tests are done to find out if the drug, therapy, procedure, etc. is safe and effective for people to use.

The overall purpose of a study is to learn, not to treat patients. Before you volunteer to participate in a study, ask about any risks associated with the treatment being tested.

Is this study safe?

Before a prospective treatment is tested on humans, it is thoroughly tested through laboratory and model studies to determine if it’s safe.

Who makes sure a study will be safe?

Physicians and other medical professionals run trials according to strict rules set by the federal government. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has two offices that identify these rules: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP).

These agencies have good clinical practice requirements that establish rules every clinical trial must follow, such as how to conduct a study and how to protect human subjects. The federal government also has a policy that protects human subjects. This policy is called the “Common Rule.” It applies to all research funded by the federal government.

The Common Rule says an institutional review board, or IRB, must guarantee it will provide and enforce protection for people involved in its research. An IRB reviews and approves the trial protocol before the trial can even begin. It must look at the informed consent process, benefits and risks, and how volunteers will be selected.

Who is on the IRB?

An IRB is made up of medical and non-medical professionals, as well as lay people — in short, a group of people who represent a cross-section of the community.

Who usually sponsors research studies?

Research studies are sponsored or funded by a variety of organizations or individuals. They can be sponsored by doctors, medical institutions, foundations, voluntary groups, pharmaceutical companies, or federal agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, or NIH.

What are the “phases” of clinical trials (research studies)?

After a treatment is tested in the laboratory, it can go to human testing. There are four phases of human testing.

Phase I Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people (20-80) for the first time to test its safety, identify the maximum tolerated dose, find a safe dosage range and identify side effects.

Phase II The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people (100-300) to see if it is effective, to further evaluate its safety and to gather additional information regarding safe dose range.

Phase III The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people (1,000-3,000) to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.

Phase IV During this phase, investigators are looking for additional information, including the drug or treatment’s risks, benefits, and optimal use. This trial may occur after the drug or treatment has been approved for use by the FDA.

Phase V Trials may be conducted to determine better dosing guidelines, new formulations, effects on different populations or new indications.

Why do people volunteer for research studies?

By taking part in research studies, you can try a potential new treatment that may (or may not) be better than standard treatments available. Your participation may also help people who may be suffering from the same disease or condition in the future.

It is important to remember that if you participate, you will be part of a group that is testing a treatment that has not yet gone through complete testing showing it to be effective and safe.

Is there any reason I’d have to participate in a research study to receive treatment?

No. You are the only one who can make this decision. You will receive customary medical care whether or not you choose to participate in a research study. It is unethical for anyone, including your physician, to pressure you to participate.

You should be given complete, accurate and balanced information about the trial. Feel free to take plenty of time to review that information, so you fully understand the benefits and risks before you decide to volunteer.

How much does it cost?

Most costs in a clinical trial are covered by grants or funds contributed by the trial sponsor. Routine procedures — such as blood tests or other lab work that you would need whether or not you were participating in a trial — are usually covered by your insurance.

Each trial is different, so it’s best to check with the study coordinator to find out about costs.

How do I know if the study is right for me?

You may volunteer for any study appropriate to your condition. However, each research study has strict eligibility requirements. The investigator (physician or other medical professional who runs the study) will make sure you meet these requirements before accepting you in the study.

What do I need to know before I decide to participate?

The study investigator should explain everything about the study before you make a decision. That’s called informed consent.

However, there are a number of questions you might ask before deciding if a research study is right for you.

• Why were you invited to join the research study?
• What is the purpose of the research? What is the study trying to find out?
• What are the risks and benefits of participating in the study?
• What are the alternatives to being in the study?
• What are my other treatment choices? How do they compare with the treatment being studied?
• What side effects, if any, can I expect?
• Who is in charge of the research study?
• How much time is involved?
• What “phase” is the study testing? (See above for an explanation of phases.)
• Will I be hospitalized?
• How long will the study last?
• What will you have to do as a research participant?
• What kinds of tests might I have to take?
• Will you be charged or paid for your participation in the study?
• What are the costs to me?
• Who will pay if research study funds don’t cover these costs?
• What should you do if you change your mind?
• Can you still see your own doctor or therapist while you are in the study?
• What happens in case of an emergency?
• What happens after the study is complete?
• Who should be contacted with questions about the study, your rights and responsibilities, or financial costs?
• Who will know you were in a study?
• How much privacy can you expect as a participant in a study?

I’m considering participation in a research study. What questions should I ask before agreeing to enroll?

We recommend you review the National Institutes of Health’s  clinical trials web page  to learn more about the basics of research studies.

What is “informed consent?”

Informed consent means you are given complete information about a study. Before you agree to volunteer, this information will be given to you in writing, and written clearly, so you can understand it. Before you can participate, you must sign the informed consent form showing you’ve been given this information and understand it.

Informed consent is also an ongoing process. It includes ongoing discussions regarding the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial. If you decide to choose standard treatment, instead of participating in a clinical trial, you should still be given complete information about your treatment alternatives, and their benefits or risks.

What if I change my mind about participating? Will I still be able to get treatment?

Informed consent is NOT a contract. You can leave the study at any time you choose. Just tell the investigator or study coordinator. It’s important to know your decision to leave a study will not involve a penalty. You will still be able to have standard treatment appropriate for your disease or condition.

You always have the right to refuse treatment or choose among treatment options, whether they involve a clinical trial, or are part of standard treatment options. The investigator may also determine that it would be in your best interests to discontinue participation before completing the clinical trial.

Research studies test whether new medicines, devices, or procedures are safe and how well they work.

There is a critical need for volunteers for these studies. Low enrollment in research studies is one of the largest problems facing the development of new and improved treatments. Eighty-five percent of studies get started late and 40 percent never finish because of a shortage of volunteers.

How You Can Help

When you participate in a research study, you are helping to move research forward. This means that cures and treatments are able to reach people more quickly.

This site can help you find studies that match your interests or needs. Both healthy volunteers and people with specific health conditions are needed to help answer important healthcare questions.

Other Ways to Help

We also encourage you to learn more about the two nationally focused research endeavors below.

To get there, the study needs one million or more people. Those who join will share information about their health over time. Researchers will study this data. What they learn could improve health for generations to come.

Learn more about the program  | How to Join

Many studies are looking for healthy people of all ages, while some are looking for people with specific health conditions. Considering becoming a ResearchMatch volunteer? Visit the ResearchMatch website to learn more about the registry, and be sure to read the Volunteer FAQ .

• Department of Health and Human Services
• National Institutes of Health

What is a healthy research volunteer?

A healthy research volunteer is a person with no known significant health problems who participates in a clinical research study to test a new drug, device, or intervention.

Research with healthy volunteers is designed to develop new knowledge, not to provide medical benefit to the healthy volunteer.

What is the purpose of the healthy volunteer registry?

The purpose of the healthy volunteer registry is to match potential research volunteers with current or upcoming clinical research studies at the NIH Clinical Center.

Joining the healthy volunteer registry is free of cost and you can cancel your registration at any time.

How can I join the healthy volunteer registry?

To join the healthy volunteer registry, you will be asked to provide basic information including:

• your contact details
• your characteristics and health
• permission for us to share your information with the clinical research study teams.

If you are a potential match for a study's requirements, the clinical research study team may contact you.

Will I receive compensation for participating in a clinical research study?

The NIH may compensate healthy research volunteers for their time and, in some instances, for the inconvenience of a procedure. You can inquire about the compensation rates when you are contacted by the clinical research study team.

Will the NIH report my compensation to the Internal Revenue Service?

The NIH reports compensation of $600 or more to the Internal Revenue Service and sends Form 1099-Other Income to healthy research volunteer at the end of the year.

If I have federal debts, can I still receive compensation?

Under U.S. law, compensation may be garnished by the U.S. Treasury if the research volunteer has outstanding debts to the federal government.

The NIH does not know if a research volunteer has an outstanding debt to the government and is not told when the U.S. Treasury garnishes compensation. The U.S. Treasury will notify the research volunteer directly in this instance.

After reading this information, you acknowledge and understand, NIH Privacy Notice and are willing to sign up for the registry?

By signing up, I agree to have my information included in a registry of individuals interested in being contacted about future research studies. I understand that I may be contacted in the future by phone or email about taking part in a study at the NIH Clinical Center. I understand that being included in the registry does not require that I participate in the research study.

Mailing Address

Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering in a Research Study

What is a research study?  A research study is an organized way of learning more about a problem or answering a question. Our research studies use interviews, computer tasks, and functional magnetic resonsnace imaging (MRI) to understand how the brain makes decisions. Getting an MRI is standard, completely non-invasive, and not painful.

Are there benefits to participating in research?  There may or may not be a direct benefit to you if you take part in our studies. The study may not help you personally, but your participation will provide information that is expected to improve the lives of others in the future and further our understanding of how the brain works. Research volunteers often tell us that they learn a lot about themselves and the research process by participating in our studies.

What does participation involve?  In our studies, we will first ask you some questions to determine whether you are appropriate for each part of the study. If you are eligible, you will complete a series of questionnaires and interviews about your current and past mental and physical health. During the fMRI visit, you will play simple computer games as your brain activity is recorded. Depending on the specific study, your participation may take one or more visits to the lab. Before you enroll, the study coordinator will let you know how long your participation is expected to last.

Why do people choose to participate?  People choose to participate for many reasons. For example, some hope to learn about the research process, some want to help researchers understand how the brain functions, and some want to be part of advancing knowledge and treatments of conditions that have affected themselves or their loved ones. Thanks to help from volunteers, we are able to achieve these goals.

What is informed consent?  Informed consent is the process of learning the key facts about a research study before you choose whether or not to volunteer. During the consent process, our staff will explain the procedures of the study, how participation might affect you, and your rights as a research volunteer. Our research staff will answer any questions you may have and also ask you to read an "informed consent form" that goes over these details. If you choose to participate, we will ask you to sign the informed consent form.

Will I be compensated?  Participants are always compensated for their time in our studies, and the rates vary depending on the study. Also, you will receive a copy of your brain on CD the first time you come in for a scan.

Who can participate?  Most of our studies have requirements that must be met in order for you to participate. These requirements are designed to keep you safe and ensure that we can use the data. Some studies have broad requirements such as being over a specific age. Other studies have a more focused requirement, such as having certain life experiences. In general, to participate in fMRI studies, you must NOT have any metal implants (e.g., pacemakers, surgical clips), be claustrophobic, or have a serious medical condition (e.g., cancer, seizure disorder).

Who will see the results of the study?  We take your privacy very seriously, and we will never identify you individually in discussing the results from the study. Any results that are presented to the community will be completely de-identified and are usually presented as group averages. We are happy to share these results with you. Only if you give us permission, examples from your experiences may be used to teach future clinicians and researchers.

What if I do not want to participate?  Participation is  always  voluntary. You can change your mind at any time and leave any of our studies without adverse consequences.

Connect with us:

Why volunteer for research studies.

Before any new medical treatment, therapy, or device is approved, it must first be tested through clinical research studies . While some research studies seek participants with illnesses or conditions to be studied in the clinical trial, it is not always necessary to have a specific illness or condition to participate. In fact, there are many trials that need healthy volunteers.

For those who have never volunteered for a clinical trial, there are several reasons why one might be interested. These reasons include access to experimental treatments and therapies, contributing to the advancement of medicine, receiving specialized care, having more treatment options, and the possibility of reimbursement.

Why should I look for clinical trials near me?

Reason 1: Clinical trial participants gain access to experimental treatments and therapies

Because medical studies are evaluating potential new treatments, those who participate in research are able to receive these cutting-edge therapies as part of the trial. For those whose symptoms aren’t already well managed, accessing a new option can have a significant impact. Furthermore, in many cases, if the treatment is successful, patients can continue to receive it after the trial concludes.

For Michelle Schienle, who blogs at Crohnically Blonde , participating in a trial allowed her to go back to work after her Crohn’s disease diagnosis. “Before I started taking these experimental drugs, I was at this point where I couldn’t work, I couldn’t do anything,” she said. A combination of those drugs alone with established treatments, she said is now able to be a “functioning member of society again.”

Why are you thankful for research? - Michelle from Antidote Technologies on Vimeo .

Reason 3: Clinical trials provide participants with access to specialized care

Those taking part in a clinical trial are working directly with specialists and researchers focused on their condition. Research sites are often staffed with individuals that are leaders in their field, and these professionals will be able to answer questions and give participants extra attention.

“I’m super grateful for advances in medical technology, just that small things like being able to see my blood sugar right there on my phone all the time, is just tremendously helpful for somebody like me,” said Christel Groenning Oerum, who blogs at Diabetes Strong .

Why are you thankful for research? - Christel from Antidote Technologies on Vimeo .

Reason 4: Volunteering is an option for rare diseases or those with limited treatment options

Clinical trials can offer a treatment option for research study volunteers where there are no existing alternatives. For those living with rare diseases or conditions that have limited treatment options, the availability of therapies outside of clinical trials is often limited. For these individuals, clinical trials can provide an opportunity to explore potential new treatments when all of the currently available options have been exhausted. 

Kimberly Burnette of Beyond Adrenal Disease is active in both the rare disease community and the mental illness community, and research has played an important role in both. “In both of those communities, we would be lost without research,” she said. “Research is the light to our darkness and it gives us hope.”

Why are you thankful for research? - Kim B. from Antidote Technologies on Vimeo .

Reason 5: Participants may receive reimbursement

In some instances, clinical trial participants can earn compensation or be reimbursed for travel costs associated with taking part in a study. Paid clinical trials that offer direct compensation are usually Phase I trials that are testing potential new treatments for safety, not yet for effectiveness against symptoms. Even when a study doesn’t offer direct compensation for time, it may provide reimbursements for travel expenses, meals, childcare, or transportation. 

How to sign up for research studies

For those that are interested in finding a clinical trial, searching for studies online is often the best place to start. While ClinicalTrials.gov serves as a comprehensive database for all trials, it does not provide a patient-centric experience. However, there are tools such as Antidote Match that pull data from ClinicalTrials.gov and present it in a user-friendly format. This makes it easier for individuals to search and discover trials that may be of interest. Here are the steps for using Antidote Match:

• Enter location information and a specific condition into the search box
• Enter information about willingness to travel for a trial (a larger radius will bring up more trials)
• Answer a few questions about medical history relevant to the particular condition
• Once trial results appear, users can click each listing to learn more about each particular study. Information includes what type of study is recruiting , and which phase the trial is in  
• Users can then contact the study site to learn more, or email the information to themselves in order to discuss the trial opportunity with their doctors

Once a patient has shown interest in the trial, they’ll be contacted about next steps and additional screening within a few days’ time. Typically, studies will involve a round of phone screening and a round of site screening to make sure that patients are qualified to take part in the trial.

If a patient is determined to be eligible for the study, they will then be provided with an informed consent document . This form outlines all of the details about the trial, including compensation, visit requirements, reporting metrics, and more.

Myths and misconceptions about joining a clinical trial

Myth: All clinical trials use placebos. Fact: It’s true that some trials measure the study drug against a placebo, but this is not always the case. In trials studying conditions where a standard of care is already established, researchers will typically measure the effectiveness of a study drug against existing treatments.

Myth: There are limited protections in place to protect the safety and well-being of clinical trial volunteers. Fact: Every clinical trial is required to have protections in place to keep patients safe. A trial’s protocol and other materials must be approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) to ensure the study is ethical and protects patients’ rights, and the FDA reviews trials before patient volunteers are able to enroll. Additionally, before joining a clinical trial, participants must sign an informed consent form that outlines all details about the trial, and are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason.

Myth: I’ll be treated like a human guinea pig. Fact: Before potential new treatments are tested in humans, they are extensively researched in a lab setting for safety. Additionally, in the case of Phase II or Phase III studies, the treatment has already been through safety testing as part of the earlier phases. While there is always risk involved in participating in a clinical trial, researchers are legally required to make it as safe of a process as possible, and participants are free to leave the trial at any time, for any reason. 

Myth: I’m too far along in my condition to join a clinical trial. Fact: Clinical trials need volunteers at various disease stages to evaluate different treatments. In fact, some trials may require participants to have been diagnosed with a particular condition for a certain amount of time in order to qualify, or require that they have already tried certain medications and did not find them effective. Regardless of how long someone has had a diagnosis, a clinical trial can be an opportunity to access better treatment.

Myth: There are very few clinical trials for rare diseases. Fact: The number of clinical trials for rare diseases has been increasing in recent years. One contributing factor to this increase is the growing recognition of rare and ultra-rare diseases. According to RareX, there has been a 33% increase in the number of recognized rare diseases, which has led to a greater understanding of the prevalence and impact of rare conditions and has prompted researchers and organizations to prioritize finding treatments. Plus, in some cases. rare disease clinical trials will pay for travel and other related expenses.

Myth: I’ll never hear about the results from the trial. Fact: After participating in a clinical trial, it’s natural to wonder about the results and what steps the researchers will be taking next. The results from many trials are published in academic journals, and patients can ask the site staff if and how they can view the results before enrolling.

Myth: My doctor will tell me if there are any clinical trials that I qualify for. Fact: While it is important for patients to talk about a clinical trial with their care teams, doctors don’t often know about all clinical trial opportunities that are available. For this reason, patients are encouraged to research clinical trial opportunities through tools like Antidote Match and discuss search results with their doctor.

Myth: Clinical trial participation isn’t covered by medical insurance. Fact: Most clinical trial volunteers don’t have to pay out-of-pocket costs to take part. Generally, the cost of care is covered by the clinical trial, and travel expenses may be covered as well. Most insurance providers cover the office visits and tests that are part of clinical trials, but the study site will be able to provide clear details about what is and is not covered.

Ready to find research studies near you? Start searching via the button below.

Find my clinical trial match

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Quick links, clinical trials, volunteering for research, why is research so important.

Without medical research, medicine would not have made the advances that we enjoy today. For you and for future patients, research is essential. Volunteering for medical research provides participants with opportunities to contribute to society, to the community and to others who have health problems.

Who can take part in a research study?

Each research study has requirements about who can participate. Using specific requirements is an important principle of research that helps to produce reliable results. These requirements are called inclusion and exclusion criteria. Inclusion criteria explain exactly what kinds of people may participate, while exclusion criteria explain exactly what kinds of people may not participate.

These criteria are often based on such factors as age, gender, medical history, current health and past medical treatments. Some research studies seek participants with specific illnesses or conditions, while others need healthy volunteers.

What is informed consent?

Informed consent is the process of learning the key facts about a research study before deciding whether to participate. The consent process continues to provide information to you throughout your time in the study.

To help you decide whether or not to participate, the researchers and staff will meet with you to explain the details of the study. You should feel free to ask any questions and to tell them if you don't understand something.

The research team then provides an informed consent document that explains details about the study, such as its purpose, its length, required procedures, and key contacts. Known risks and potential benefits are also explained. You may also take a 'read only' copy of the informed consent document home with you to review and consider.

If you decide to participate, you must sign the informed consent document. You will be given a copy of the document to keep. Informed consent is not a contract; by signing it you do not give up any of your rights and you can quit at any time. If you decide to quit, you should tell the research team.

How can I prepare for the first meeting with the researchers?

• Bring a friend or relative along for support and to hear the responses to your questions.
• Bring pen and paper to take notes.
• You can ask questions or stop the discussion if you don't understand what is being said.
• Make a list of questions to ask.

Human Subjects Division

• [email protected]
• 206.543.0098

For Research Participants

Thank you for your interest in research! Many areas of research, both behavioral and biomedical, are possible only if people agree to be studied as part of the research. Those who volunteer to participate in research as human subjects help to benefit others, as well as society at large.

Participation in research is voluntary; that means you don’t have to join a study. However, if you have joined a research study, are thinking about joining a study, would like information about current studies, or have questions about a study you have joined, we hope the following “Frequently Asked Questions” will be helpful.

What do I do when…

• I have signed a consent form for a study and now I have more questions. What should I do? On page 1 of your consent form, there is a list of the researchers with their contact information. Questions that are related to a particular research study should be directed to these researchers.
• I signed a consent form to be in a study but I’ve changed my mind and I don’t want to do it. I don’t want to call the researcher because they might try to convince me to continue. What should I do? First, remember research is voluntary and you do not have to join or stay in a research study unless you want to. If you aren’t comfortable calling the researcher or the research staff, call or email the UW Human Subjects Division: 206-543-0098 or [email protected] . We will help you. This includes informing the researcher on your behalf about your decision.
• I received a letter about joining a research study. I don’t want to do it and I don’t want anyone to call me about it. What should I do? The letter should have a phone number and/or and email address for you to use, to let the researcher know your decision. If you can’t find a phone number or email address, you can call or email us: 206-543-0098 or [email protected] . We will need some information from the materials you received so we can identify the study and help you.
• I am already in a research study but I don’t like what’s going on. I tried to talk to the research nurse but that wasn’t helpful. I still have concerns. What should I do? Call or email us: 206-543-0098 or [email protected] . We will help identify the study in question and work with you to resolve your concern.
• I saw a flyer in the library for a study saying that they will pay $800 for each study visit. I need the money but I want to know whether this is a “real” study or whether it is a scam. What should I do? Call or email us at 206-543-0098 or [email protected] . We can help you find out whether the study is “real” and approved by the UW. If it isn’t, we may be able to help you find out who is doing the research.
• For research studies at the University of Washington: Research Participant Link
• For all clinical research in the U.S.: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
• For a user-friendly interface to ClinicalTrials.gov built by Vanderbilt University: https://www.trialstoday.org/
• American Cancer Society  http://www.cancer.org
• Children’s Oncology Group http://www.childrensoncologygroup.org/#clinical
• National Cancer Institute http://www.nci.nih.gov/clinicaltrials
• Brain Donation
• Willed Body Program
• I was in a study years ago and want to know the results. What should I do? If you have the contact information for the researchers who lead the study, call them first.  If you don’t have their contact information, call or email us at 206-543-0098 or [email protected] . We will need as much information as you can remember in order to help you find the researchers who may be able to answer your questions.
• My consent form says an “Institutional Review Board” approved the study. What is an Institutional Review Board and what does “approved” mean? An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a small group of people who review human research studies to make sure they are done properly according to federal and state laws that protect the human participants. The research can’t be started until the IRB has approved it. The members of the UW IRB include a mix of scientists, healthcare providers, and a non-scientist. Most of them are part of the UW, but there are always some who are from the community and who have no connection with the UW. At the UW, all human subjects research that is covered by the federal regulations is reviewed by an IRB before it starts.

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What is a Clinical Trial?

Clinical Research uses volunteer to study the effects of a medication, medical treatment or device. Before a medication, treatment, or device is made available to the public, it must be approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). This requires intensive research into a drug’s ability to treat a condition, its safety, and its possible side effects. Pharmaceutical companies hire Medical Professionals, like those at CRA, to conduct these studies using volunteer patient populations. Results are then sent to the FDA to help it decide if a new medication should be approved for the public.

See if you qualify:

We’re currently recruiting for a variety of studies:

• COVID Booster Trials
• Diabetic/Weight Loss Studies
• Menstrual Migraines
• RSV Vaccine

Should I Volunteer?

Every day, research uncovers new information about medical conditions and possible therapies. You and many other people may benefit from your willingness to become involved. The benefits of participating in a trial are numerous, but a few are:

• Your involvement in clinical studies could help in the development of new medications.
• You may receive investigational therapies before they are available to the general public.
• You are taking an active role in your health care.
• You will receive free study medications and comprehensive monitoring at no cost to you by participating in a clinical trial.
• You may receive financial compensation for your time and travel

Why Participate in a Clinical Trial?

What are the benefits.

Volunteering to participate in a clinical drug trial is one of the best ways you can contribute to the understanding of diseases and the development of new therapies.  As a volunteer, you are the most critical link in the chain of research and testing for the development of new medications for a broad range of health problems.

Benefits of volunteering include:

• Receiving medical care from physician during the study
• Receiving medications before they are available to the open market
• Compensation for time and travel
• Participating in the research process that may lead to new therapies

There is never a cost to participate in a clinical trial.  Medical insurance is not necessary to qualify.  Medical care, study medication and laboratory care is provided at no charge to you.

If you are interested in one of our studies or would like to inquire about upcoming studies, please click the “Become a Volunteer” tab at the top of this page.

What to Expect

Before you can participate in a clinical trial you must qualify for that specific trial.  The first step toward qualifying is to meet with our Research Coordinator by phone.  She will go over the inclusion and exclusion criteria to see if you qualify. “Inclusion criteria” are criteria you must meet to be included in the trial and “exclusion criteria” are things that will disqualify you from the trial.

If you qualify, you will be asked to come to the office for a visit.  If all other requirements are met, you will have ample time to review the informed consent document.  You will meet with both the Research Coordinator and Physician to answer any of your questions prior to signing the Informed Consent Document. The time frame and requirements of the trial are explained and all questions are answered.

During a trial, you can expect to be given the investigational drug, a placebo or a currently available treatment.  You can also expect to be seen by both the doctor and research coordinator at each visit.

At the end of each trial you should expect to return any unused study drug and you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire about your experience.  If results of the trials are made public, we will post the them on our website.

Participate in Future Trials

CRA is awarded new trials on an ongoing basis. We are always interested in people who want to volunteer for future trials. If you or anyone you know is interested, please contact our office at 770-507-6867 or Contact Us.

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Clinical Trials – Information for Participants

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What are clinical trials?

Clinical trials are research studies that look at ways to prevent, detect, or treat diseases and conditions. They are critical to understanding and treating mental illnesses. Clinical trials are the primary way researchers determine if a new treatment is safe and effective in people.

Clinical trials can study:

• New drugs or combinations of drugs.
• New medical procedures (such as a new blood test or scan).
• New medical devices (such as a  brain stimulation device ).
• New therapies or behavioral interventions, which help people change their behaviors, thoughts, and feelings to improve their mental health
• New ways to prevent health conditions or find a disease early, sometimes even before symptoms occur.

Watch these videos to learn more about clinical trials

Why are clinical trials important.

Clinical trials are the foundation of most medical advances. Without clinical trials, many of the medical treatments and cures we have today wouldn’t exist.

By testing new treatments and interventions in a carefully designed and controlled way, researchers learn more about the underlying mechanisms of disease and develop new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness.

The results of clinical trials help inform medical decision-making and provide evidence-based information about the benefits and risks of different treatments or interventions. Researchers and doctors use this information to decide which treatments should be recommended and which require more study.

Why should I participate in a clinical trial?

People volunteer for clinical trials for many reasons. Some people join clinical trials to help doctors and researchers learn more about a disease and improve health care. Other people, such as those with health conditions, join to try treatments that aren’t widely available.

Researchers usually study people who have a specific health condition. Researchers sometimes need to compare data from volunteers with no health conditions to data from people with specific health conditions so they can use that information to learn more about the disease.

Participating in a clinical trial is entirely up to you. If you volunteer for a clinical trial and later decide it’s not right for you, you can withdraw anytime.

Clinical Research Trials and You: Questions and Answers

Find more information about the risks and benefits of joining a clinical trial, how your safety is protected, and what happens when a clinical trial ends.

Download this free fact sheet about clinical trials

What is it like to participate in a clinical trial?

During a clinical trial, you will see a team of researchers, sometimes called a study team, clinical trial team, or clinical research team, who will monitor your health closely.

You may have more tests and medical exams than you would if you were getting mental health care but not participating in a clinical trial. The study team may also ask you to do other tasks, such as keeping a log about your health or filling out forms about how you feel.

Clinical trials occur in medical centers, doctors’ offices, and community-based organizations nationwide. You may need to travel or stay in a hospital to participate in a clinical trial.

Are clinical trials safe?

Clinical trials are generally safe. Though there are risks to participating in clinical research, clinical trials are designed to minimize risks and keep you safe.

Before a clinical trial can start, it must be reviewed and approved by an institutional review board (IRB) for U.S.-based studies or an independent ethics committee outside the U.S. This review ensures that it is safe and that the potential benefits of the trial are worth the potential risks. The study team will also make sure you meet certain requirements and that it is safe for you to participate.

Clinical studies might make you feel a little uncomfortable for a short time, but how much risk you face depends on the type of study you join. For instance, if you are participating in a study testing a new drug, the medication might make you feel sick or tired when you first start taking it. In some studies, instead of trying a new medicine, you might take computer-based tests or have a non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) done, which carries different risks. The research team and the IRB continuously monitor studies to ensure ongoing safety.

Speak with the study team to understand the risks involved in a particular study. Potential risks are included in the informed consent process, and the research team will be able to explain anything you don’t understand.

Are clinical trials paid?

Some clinical trials pay participants, including some trials that take place at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD.

The amount of money you get paid depends on things like how long the trial takes, how much time you need to give, and what kind of trial it is. Sometimes, the trial may also cover your travel, lodging, and food costs. Not all clinical trials are paid, and you should consider all aspects of the study, including risks and benefits, before making a final decision.

How do I find a clinical trial?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders. NIMH supports clinical trials at the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD and across the United States.

Find a study at the NIH campus

NIMH researchers conduct many clinical trials at the NIH Clinical Center  . Located on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland, the Clinical Center is the largest research hospital in the world.

Learn more about how to join an NIMH clinical trial at the NIH Clinical Center. These studies enroll volunteers from the local area and across the nation.

Find NIMH clinical trials for adults and children that are currently accepting volunteers:

• Join a Research Study: Adults
• Join a Research Study: Children
• Frequently Asked Questions About Participating in NIMH Research Studies for Adults & Children

You can also subscribe to receive  email updates   about clinical trials conducted at NIH.

Find other studies around the United States

NIMH also funds many studies that are currently recruiting people around the country on different mental health disorders, including:

• Anxiety Disorders
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Schizophrenia
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Studies Recruiting Only Men
• Studies Recruiting Only Women
• Conditions Related to Mental Disorders

Other ways to find a clinical trial

• Search  clinicaltrials.gov   , a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted worldwide.
• Talk to your health care provider  about studies that may be right for you. You can also learn about studies in newspapers, TV, or online.
• Join a national registry of research volunteers , such as  ResearchMatch   . ResearchMatch is a nonprofit program funded by NIH that helps connect people interested in research studies with researchers from medical centers across the United States.
• Join the  NIH  All of Us  Research Program   ,  which is enrolling a large group of people that reflects the diversity of the United States. The program aims to build a diverse database that can inform thousands of studies on various health conditions.

How do I sign up to participate in a clinical trial?

After you find a clinical trial you're interested in, contact the study team to learn more about it. You can usually find the study teams’ contact information in the trial’s description. The staff can give you information that will help you decide whether to participate.

Check out this resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for a list of specific questions to ask about volunteering for a research study  .

Let your health care provider know if you decide to join a clinical trial. They may want to talk to the study team to help coordinate your care and ensure the trial is safe for you.

How can I learn more about participating in a clinical trial?

Federal resources

• Clinical Trials  : The National Institute on Aging offers articles about how clinical trials work and how to participate about clinical trials.
• NIH Clinical Research Trials and You  : Answers from the NIH to many common questions about participating in a clinical trial
• Clinical Trials  (MedlinePlus - also en español)  : Information about clinical trial protocols and institutional review boards
• Federal Government Health Insurance Programs  : Information about federal programs that help pay the costs of care in clinical trials
• NIH Clinical Research Trials and You: Personal Stories  : Stories about volunteers and researchers
• Videos sobre la investigación clínica  : Spanish-language videos about participating in research
• What is a clinical trial?   
• Should I participate in a clinical trial? What’s in it for me? 
• What should I know to participate in a clinical trial? 
• HHS: Human Research Volunteer Informational videos  : Basic information about research, including questions to ask and what to think about when deciding whether to participate in a study

Last reviewed : April 2024

Unless otherwise specified, the information on our website and in our publications is in the public domain and may be reused or copied without permission. However, you may not reuse or copy images. Please cite the National Institute of Mental Health as the source. Read our copyright policy to learn more about our guidelines for reusing NIMH content.

International Student & Scholar Services

Office for global engagement, main navigation, volunteer work & unpaid internships.

Learn about what is considered volunteer work.

Overview and Definition

While volunteering may seem simple, it is complex. Please note that volunteering and engaging in an unpaid position off-campus are considered two different activities. If you are interested in participating in volunteer opportunities, you must first understand the definition of volunteering so that you do not violate any laws and participate in unauthorized employment.

Any off-campus employment (paid or unpaid)  MUST  be authorized. Without official authorization, it is considered a status violation and will result in the loss of a student's F-1 status. Therefore, it is important to know the rules about volunteering and unpaid work/internships before you engage in any off-campus activity.

Here are some important reminders if students plan on volunteering: 

•  Students must not receive any taxable income.
• The primary purpose of volunteering must be charitable or humanitarian in nature.
• Incentives such as "per-diem" and reimbursements for transportation are not allowed for volunteer positions. 
• If the volunteer position is one for which an employer would otherwise officially hire someone, you may work there only with employment authorization.

icon Meet with an International Student Advisor to discuss any volunteer or unpaid internship opportunities. 

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Volunteering

Volunteer work can generally be defined as a position in which a person is not paid or would not expect to be paid for their time and efforts. Additionally, volunteering does not require any special knowledge, skills, or degree, so that a wide range of individuals can perform the same work. Below are a few examples of volunteer work:

Animal Shelter

A student is walking dogs or cleaning cages at a local animal shelter.

A student is serving on a church committee that organizes youth groups.

Making Meals

A student is helping make meals for the elderly or homeless.

Events by Non-Profit Organizations

A student is assisting with events put on by a non-profit organization, for example, events held by the  Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy .

Unpaid internships vs volunteering

Most often, unpaid internships are related to the student's program of study and the student may be using the internship as professional or career-based experience. 

icon   Unpaid internships REQUIRE work authorization. Please be mindful that work-authorization is not based on whether a position is paid or unpaid. 

Students must be approved for either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) in order to participate in an unpaid internship. If students do not obtain work authorization for unpaid internships, their F-1 status will be at risk of being terminated for unauthorized employment. 

Volunteering while on post-completion optional practical training (OPT)

Students participating in authorized Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) may count  internships (paid or unpaid) towards OPT employment as long as the opportunity is related to the student's program of study and they work more than 20 hours a week.

icon When accepting volunteer positions, please be mindful of  U.S. Labor Laws   

volunteering while on stem Optional Practical Training (opt)

Employment during STEM OPT must be paid as outlined on the I-983 Training Plan. Unpaid internships, volunteering, community service work, and research are not acceptable types of employment on STEM OPT. While on STEM OPT, employment must be paid as outlined on the I-983 Training Plan.

Students on STEM OPT may perform volunteer services (in addition to fulfilling all employment requirements) if the volunteering is a true humanitarian volunteer opportunity and does not violate federal labor laws.

Volunteer & Unpaid Internships - Frequently Asked Questions

Can i participate in a paid research study.

ISSS cautions students against participating in any paid research studies as it can be viewed as employment. 

• On-Campus Employment
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)
• STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT)

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Eligibility for Participation in Neuroimaging Studies

Health professionals, what is the purpose of this trial.

The purpose of this research is to determine your eligibility for neuroimaging research studies. We are looking for different types of participants including participants with psychiatric disorders, participants with substance use, participants with chronic pain, and participants without psychiatric conditions, substance use, or chronic pain. The study involves a screening that includes a psychological examination, physical examination, ECG, blood and urine tests. Based on this screening, we will determine if you are eligible to participate in any research studies.

Contact Information

For more information about this study, including how to volunteer, contact Marc Grasso

• 203.737.5083
• [email protected]

Help Us Discover!

You can help our team find trials you might be eligible for by creating a volunteer profile in MyChart. To get started, create a volunteer profile , or contact [email protected] , or call 877.978.8343 for more information.

Principal Investigator

• Irina Esterlis, PhD Professor of Psychiatry; Director, Molecular Imaging Program, NCPTSD, VA; Director, Mood, Anxiety, and Cognitive Sciences Division

Sub-Investigators

• Alla Vash-Margita, MD, FACOG
• Ansel Hillmer, PhD
• Axel Fogaca Rosado
• David Matuskey, MD
• Gustavo A. Angarita, MD, MHS
• Ilan Harpaz-Rotem, PhD, ABPP
• Karina Moisieienko
• Kelly Cosgrove, PhD
• Maggie Taylor Davis, PhD
• Ming-Kai Chen, MD, PhD
• Naomi Driesen, PhD
• Robin Bonomi, MD, PhD
• Sarah Fineberg, MD, PhD
• Sophie E Holmes, PhD
• Terril Luce, PhD
• Yasmin Zakiniaeiz, PhD
• Last Updated 08/01/2024
• Study HIC #2000027842

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Volunteers needed for skin research study

By Hub staff report

Individuals between age 18 and 75 with generally healthy skin are needed to donate small skin samples and/or urine and/or sweat samples for a research study at the Johns Hopkins Department of Dermatology. Eligible participants will be compensated with up to $80 for their time and effort.

For more information, email/call: ctrep@jhmi.edu or 410-502-SKIN. Include protocol number NA_00033375 on email subject line.

Principal Investigator: Luis Garza, MD, PhD Protocol #: NA_00033375

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York researchers make breakthrough in bid to develop vaccines and drugs for neglected tropical disease

Posted on 2 August 2024

Scientists have developed a new, safe and effective way to infect volunteers with the parasite that causes leishmaniasis and measure the body’s immune response, bringing a vaccine for the neglected tropical disease a step closer.

Friday 2 August 2024

Top of the class - new research shows the success of University of York-led science education programme

Wednesday 31 July 2024

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About this research.

Parkash et al, Safety and reactogenicity of a controlled human infection model of sand fly-transmitted cutaneous leishmaniasis is published in the journal Nature Medicine . 

The research was a collaboration between the Hull York Medical School, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust,  the Department of Parasitology at Charles University in Prague,  the Center for Geographic Medicine and Tropical Diseases at Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv University and the Kuvin Centre for Study of Tropical & Infectious Diseases, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem.

Funding for the research was through a Developmental Pathways Funding Scheme award from the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) and the UK Department for International Development (DFID) under the MRC/DFID Concordat agreement and is also part of the EDCTP2 program supported by the European Union.

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Mucus-based bioink could be used to print and grow lung tissue

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“3D Bioprinting with Visible Light Cross-Linkable Mucin-Hyaluronic Acid Composite Bioink for Lung Tissue Engineering” ACS Applied Bio Materials

Lung diseases kill millions of people around the world each year. Treatment options are limited, and animal models for studying these illnesses and experimental medications are inadequate. Now, researchers describe in ACS Applied Bio Materials their success in creating a mucus-based bioink for 3D printing lung tissue. This advance could one day help study and treat chronic lung conditions.

While some people with lung diseases receive transplants, donor organs remain in short supply. As an alternative, medications and other treatments can be used to manage symptoms, but no cure is available for disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. Researchers continue to seek better medications, often relying on testing in rodents. But these animal models may only partially capture the complexities of pulmonary diseases in humans, and they might not accurately predict the safety and efficacy of new drugs. Meanwhile, bioengineers are exploring the production of lung tissue in the lab, either as a more accurate model to study human lungs or as a potential material to use in implants. One technique involves 3D printing structures that mimic human tissue, but designing a suitable bioink to support cell growth remains challenging. So, Ashok Raichur and colleagues set out to overcome this obstacle.

The team began with mucin, a mucus component that hasn’t been widely explored for bioprinting. Segments of this antibacterial polymer’s molecular structure resemble epidermal growth factor, a protein that promotes cell attachment and growth. Raichur and colleagues reacted mucin with methacrylic anhydride to form methacrylated mucin (MuMA), which they then mixed with lung cells. Hyaluronic acid — a natural polymer found in connective and other tissues — was added to increase the bioink’s viscosity and enhance cell growth and adhesion to MuMA. After the ink was printed in test patterns including round and square grids, it was exposed to blue light to crosslink the MuMA molecules. The crosslink bonds stabilized the printed structure in the form of a porous gel that readily absorbed water to support cell survival.

The researchers found that the interconnected pores in the gel facilitated diffusion of nutrients and oxygen, encouraging cell growth and formation of lung tissue. The printed structures were nontoxic and slowly biodegraded under physiological conditions, making them potentially suitable as implants in which the printed scaffold would gradually be replaced by newly grown lung tissue. The bioink could also be used to make 3D models of lungs to study lung disease processes and evaluate potential treatments.

The authors acknowledge funding from the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) is a nonprofit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS’ mission is to advance the broader chemistry enterprise and its practitioners for the benefit of Earth and all its people. The Society is a global leader in promoting excellence in science education and providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple research solutions, peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, eBooks and weekly news periodical Chemical & Engineering News . ACS journals are among the most cited, most trusted and most read within the scientific literature; however, ACS itself does not conduct chemical research. As a leader in scientific information solutions, its CAS division partners with global innovators to accelerate breakthroughs by curating, connecting and analyzing the world’s scientific knowledge. ACS’ main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio.

To automatically receive press releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org .

Note: ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies.

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