Thank you for volunteering to be a research subject. Volunteering for research studies can be very fulfilling, as participants are given the chance to benefit others. Choosing to participate in a research study is an important personal decision, and as a research study participant, you have rights both prior to and throughout the study.

Prior to the study, you should be provided with an informed consent document that fully informs you of the nature of the research being conducted. Consent to participate in research should only occur after you have been given all the necessary information regarding the research study and have had sufficient time to consider participation. If you choose to decline participation in a research study, it should not result in any prejudice toward you.

During the study, you have the right to withdraw from the research project at any time without prejudice and to ask questions throughout the process. You also have the right to be informed of any new findings that may affect your willingness to continue in the study.

Below are some helpful links regarding research participant rights:

Institutional Review Board
The Institutional Review Board reviews all research regarding human subjects.

Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP)
Provides information regarding human research including education, policies, and regulations.

Office of Research Integrity (ORI)
Advocates for integrity in biomedical and behavioral research supported by the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS).

www.clinicaltrials.gov
This site provides information regarding federally and privately funded clinical research involving human volunteers.

National Institute of Health Clinical Center
This site provides information for research participants.