Research Education
How research works behind the scenes
Learn how studies are reviewed and what the common words in a trial listing mean.
- 01How research is reviewed
- Before a study begins, an independent ethics board reviews the protocol, the consent document, and the steps in place to protect volunteers.
- 02Reading a trial listing
- Public listings usually describe the study purpose, location, timeline, contact details, and the criteria the study team will use. Read every section before reaching out.
- 03Understanding informed consent
- Consent is more than a signature. It is a conversation that continues throughout the study, and you can ask questions or withdraw at any point.
- 04Your rights as a volunteer
- You can take time to decide, bring someone with you to discussions, ask for plain explanations, and stop participating whenever you choose.
Research terminology guide
- Protocol
- The written plan for a study, describing who can join, what happens, and how results are measured.
- Inclusion and exclusion criteria
- The rules each independent study sets for who may take part. Only the study team applies them.
- Informed consent
- An ongoing process where the study team explains the study and you decide, in writing, whether to join.
- Placebo
- An inactive comparison used in some studies so researchers can measure real effects.
- Randomized
- Volunteers are assigned to groups by chance, which helps keep comparisons fair.
- Ethics review board
- An independent group that reviews a study to help protect the rights and wellbeing of volunteers.
- Healthy volunteer
- A person without the condition being studied who helps researchers understand typical responses.