Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on the study, anyone from children through to older adults can participate in research. Researchers might be looking for healthy participants, or people with a specific illness or health condition. Each study will outline the eligibility criteria and requirements to participate.

A list of clinical studies that are currently recruiting volunteers can be found on our Research Volunteers website. You can sort by your current health condition and read through the studies you may be eligible for and contact the Clinical Trial Facility using the contact information provided.

Once you have expressed an interest in a study we will contact you with further details, the consent process and a screening questionnaire if required.

All clinical trials have guidelines about who can take part. The criteria may be based on age, gender, the type and stage of a disease or condition, previous treatment history and other medical conditions.

You will be given a screening questionnaire or booked into a clinical screening session that is used to determine if you meet these criteria.

If you are eligible and sign the consent form, you will be enrolled in the study.

Like your medical record, the information we collect about you to conduct a research study will be kept confidential. When you sign up you will be allocated an ID number and only this number will be used with your data collected throughout the study.

The Participant Information and Consent Form will further outline who has access to the data, and how the data are managed and stored. All records containing personal information will remain confidential and no information which could lead to identification of any individual will be released, unless required by law.

The University is obligated to comply with the Privacy act 1988 and the NH&MRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in a Human Research 2007.

Read our full Privacy Policy

You will need to inform a study staff member of any changes to your health, medications, or your ability to complete the requirements of the trial as soon as possible. Some changes to your health circumstances could impact your ability to participate in the study, and the study findings. Participation is voluntary. You may also choose to withdraw participation.

You must also be available and able to undertake all relevant procedures required for the research study, including attending any appointments.

Clinical trials follow a plan, known as a protocol. Our team of research scientists and staff carefully create the protocol to ensure that it is as safe as possible and that they measure the right things in the right way so that the results will be meaningful. Before they begin all studies must be ethically approved according to Australian Government standards by a Human Research Ethics Committee. Studies are conducted by trained professional staff and your details are kept confidential.

Any appointments at the Clinical Trial Facility will be booked according to the protocol and research staff will give you further instruction as to your role in the study.

You can ask for further information about a particular study by using the contact details listed for that study, or by contacting research.volunteers@unisa.edu.au or 08 8302 1365. If emailing or leaving a voice message, please include the name of the project you are interested in, your full name and contact details.

The Clinical Trial Facility is located at the University of South Australia’s City East campus.

Parking is limited on site, so please contact us if you have problems with mobility or have a Disability Parking Permit to discuss the best option for you.

There are paid car parking options like Wilson Lot Fourteen or Auto Park on Frome close by, or other car parking facilities along North Terrace and Rundle Street.

Public transport options are available via the Adelaide Metro website with bus stops on Frome Road and North Terrace, and the University Tram stop also on North Terrace.

Each study is different. Sometimes a small payment called an honorarium is paid at the completion of your participation, or during the study, to acknowledge your contribution to this study. If this is available as part of the study, you will be informed during the consent process.

Please contact the Clinical Trial Facility on 08 83022097 to cancel your appointment and reschedule for a time that suits.

If fasting is required as part of the trial, this will be explained as part of the consent process and will be outlined on the Participant Information and Consent Form. Please keep this information sheet to refer to later. You will also receive an email confirming your appointment, and a reminder text in the days leading up to your appointment which will also include this information.

If you are fasting before giving a blood sample, please make sure that you drink water the evening before and the day of your appointment.

Volunteers are free to withdraw at any time during the study without prejudice.

If you are in direct contact with the researcher, please discuss with them in the first instance either at your appointment or via email. Alternatively, please contact the Clinical Trial Facility as soon as you can.

Researchers also reserve the right to terminate participation at any time if it is deemed that the study is not in the person’s best interest, if they are unable to follow the protocol of the study, or if the study is discontinued.

Each study is different, access to personal results will be explained to you as part of the consent process.  Some studies are unable to provide results as they may not have any clinical relevance and are only of use for research purposes. Please discuss with the researcher if you have any concerns.

Sometimes research procedures may cause discomfort and side effects. Research staff will provide information and discuss with you the known risks or side-effects before you sign the consent form so you can decide if you want to participate. You have the opportunity at the consent process to ask questions and ensure you understand any potential risks involved. You are welcome to have a member of your family or a friend present while the project is explained.

If you do decide to participate, the research staff will tell you about any new risks that they learn about during the study, for as long as you participate.

In the event that a clinical trial or research participants suffers an injury or adverse reaction even when no party is at fault, insurance is provided. Compensation is based on pain and suffering, loss of future earnings and medical costs.

There may or may not be a direct benefit to you if you take part in a clinical study. No one can predict the outcome of a clinical study or how it might benefit you.

The study may not help you personally, but your taking part may result in information that helps others in the future.

If you have any complaints about any aspect of a project, the way it is being conducted or any questions about being a research participant in general, please contact the University of South Australia's Human Research Ethics Committee: +618 8302 6330, humanethics@unisa.edu.au