Should I volunteer to take part in a research trial?

Every year, many people in the UK choose to take part in research. People join for different reasons. Some want to give something back, some want to improve future treatment options, and others want access to new treatments.

Things to know before taking part in research:

  • All research studies have strict criteria for who can take part. This helps ensure the research is safe and suitable for those involved. So whether you can join a particular trial will depend on if you meet the criteria.
  • You may not get a new or better treatment. Where a new treatment is being tested the aim is to see whether it is better than what is currently available. Not all trials focus on developing new treatments. Some aim to find better ways to diagnose conditions, improve care, or manage treatment side effects.   
  • Some trials involve closer monitoring than standard care, such as extra tests or scans. Ask your doctor or nurse what this would involve.

Before you decide to take part in a trial staff will explain:

  • what the study involves, such as:
    • how often you need to come to hospital
    • what tests you will need
  • the possible risks and benefits

You will also get a written information sheet to take home, so you can read it in your own time.

Taking part in research is completely your choice. If you decide not to take part, it won’t affect your care in any way. If you do take part, you can change your mind and leave the trial, and you will still receive the best available care.

Ways to find and take part in research studies:

Ask your doctor or nurse about trials that might be suitable for you.

Search for studies using Find a Study.

Sign up to the UCLBioResource. They may contact you about future trials. If you join, they will ask for blood and saliva samples as well as some information about you. This helps them to match you with trials that may be suitable to you.

Register for Join Dementia Research, if you’re interested in dementia studies (you can also sign up on behalf of someone else).

Research at UCLH

UCLH has a dedicated, purpose-built clinical research facility. It is designed especially for patients and volunteers taking part in early-phase clinical trials and other research studies. 

UCLH has a dedicated Cancer Clinical Trials Unit (CCTU) which runs a wide range of trials. CCTU delivers research alongside NHS care, using the same facilities.

We welcome patients and the public to help design and conduct research to help make our research better.