About Volunteering for Research Studies

What is Clinical Research?

Clinical research helps translate studies done in labs to new medicines, devices, products, and treatments for humans. This research focuses on whether these new resources are safe and effective for people.

Clinical research can focus on a very small group of people when answering questions about safety and effectiveness. It can also focus on a much broader group of people. The group size ultimately depends on the questions the research is trying to answer.

Why is Clinical Research Important?

Clinical research has transformed modern medicine.

Just 50 years ago, doctors did not have the knowledge or resources to treat some of the world’s deadliest diseases or more common conditions. Many of the medical advances we have today had not been discovered: certain antibiotics and vaccines, drug therapies for cancer, drugs that lower high blood pressure and cholesterol, and tests like MRI and CT scans.

Clinical research helped develop these treatments, and the decades ahead hold as much promise. Discoveries and advances in genetics, drugs, surgical techniques, and diagnostic tools will continue to transform medicine and positively impact the lives of our friends, family, and neighbors.

Why Does Clinical Research Need Volunteers?

Future medical discoveries are not possible without clinical research. And clinical research is not possible without volunteers.

Too many research studies end early or never begin because there are not enough volunteers. Researchers are working hard to find new and better ways to treat diseases, but they need people like you to help contribute.

You can help make history by participating in research. Working together, we can improve healthcare for years to come. Join us to improve the health of others.