Get involved in University research

13 May 2015

By volunteering to take part in research studies and trials, members of staff can play a very real part in supporting our students and our research

As a research-led institution, the University is always looking for participants to take part in studies and trials. A lot of research is carried out by our students - both undergraduates and postgraduates - and much of it is made possible by the help of volunteer subjects.

What's involved?

It depends on the research. Some studies ask you to complete a questionnaire on-line, some ask you undertake a simple exercise, such as 10 minutes testing your consumer preferences with an eye tracking machine, while others test your sleep patterns in a lab over a number of sessions. All can be enjoyable and rewarding experiences for both you and the researcher.

What's in it for me?

As a volunteer, you’ll get the best possible insight into the cutting edge of research going on at the University - something most people never get the chance to see.

You may be directly adding to the sum of human knowledge and providing researchers with the data they need to do their work. Who knows - you might just be contributing to a major advancement in science. More likely, you will be helping another student to gain research experience.

Sometimes the researchers can offer you a small amount of money to compensate for your time or offer a modest prize draw.

A member of staff who took part in a medical trial said: “I found it really interesting to find out more about University research by participating in the trial. And it’s good to know that you could be helping researchers get a better understanding of a vast range of areas, from human disease to consumer behaviour, which could ultimately change people’s lives”.

Is it safe?

If you decide to volunteer for a research trial, you can be sure that your interests are being safeguarded.

All projects will have been scrutinised by the Research Ethics Committee so they will all have the appropriate ethical approval in place and have an ethics reference number.

How do I get involved?

It's simple - take a look at the opportunities posted online at:

• The University of Manchester: Research Volunteering
• Citizen Science Salford (this website is sponsored by the University among others and advertises opportunities for volunteering for research projects)

Choose something you're interested in and get in touch!

How do I recruit volunteers for a trial?

If you are a researcher who wants to recruitparticipants, simply submit details of your study or trial via the online form on the above website. After your submission has been checked for ethical approval, it will be published on the website and distributed to all staff (via eUpdate, the weekly e-newsletter for staff) and to all students (via a weekly email during term-time).