Clinical Research is an important part of how doctors and scientists make progress in understanding diseases and is central to finding new ways to prevent and treat illnesses.

Clinical research studies, often called clinical trials, depend on volunteers who take part in controlled tests that study the effects of medications or medical devices.

The decision whether to participate in a clinical research study is an important one that patients and families make with their doctor. When deciding whether to participate in a study it is important that you understand what you are being asked to do, the possible risks and benefits, and the alternatives to participating in research.

The University of North Carolina Office of Human Research Ethics (IRB) has developed a brochure to help educate the public about medical research and to help them decide whether to participate in clinical research. In addition, the IRB website has many other resources for research participants and individuals who are considering participating in research.

We have created the Research for Me @UNC website to link volunteers with researchers at UNC. This website lists current research study opportunities and helps participants learn more about research in general, what is involved in being a study volunteer, and what types of studies are being conducted by the University of North Carolina and associates.

The University of North Carolina and NC TraCS are committed to advancing the health of North Carolinians. By listening to the needs and concerns of communities across our state, we will translate them into discoveries, and then spread that knowledge to NC citizens.

We hope that together, we will improve local and global health. We invite you to learn more about clinical research studies. We encourage you to ask questions about how to get involved in research studies and then to participate. Discover for yourself how you can play a critical role in improving the health of North Carolinians.

Our Regulatory Service also provides services for research participants. Services available to the research participant include: advocacy for the rights of the research participant, providing educational information about research and the consent process, serving as an unbiased observer during the consent process, and conflict resolution assistance.