Clinical Trial Basics

Clinical trials, explained simply

Start here if you are new to research and want to understand the essentials.

01What is a clinical trial?: A clinical trial is a research study that follows a written plan to answer specific questions about health. Studies are run by independent research teams and reviewed by ethics boards before volunteers are invited.
02Why do trials need volunteers?: Research depends on people from many backgrounds. Volunteers help researchers learn whether an approach works well for the wide range of people who may use it in the future.
03How studies are organized: Many interventional studies move through phases, starting with small groups and expanding as researchers learn more. Observational studies follow people over time without assigning an approach.
04Who decides who can join?: Each independent study team sets and applies its own criteria. Learning about trials here does not determine whether you can take part in any study.

Clinical trial information directory

01General Clinical Research: Studies that help researchers learn how people respond to new approaches, so future care can be built on careful evidence.
02Preventive Health Research: Research that explores ways to help people stay well before a condition develops, such as screening or habit-based approaches.
03Lifestyle Studies: Studies looking at everyday factors like sleep, movement, and nutrition, and how they relate to long-term wellbeing.
04Observational Studies: Researchers watch and record information over time without assigning a specific approach. Volunteers usually keep their normal routines.
05Interventional Studies: Volunteers are assigned to a specific approach so researchers can compare results under a written protocol reviewed by an ethics board.

Public study listings are published by independent research teams and government registries. Each listing explains its own criteria and contact details.