Yale Center for Clinical Investigation

You don’t need to have an illness to take part in clinical research. Many studies rely on healthy volunteers to help researchers understand how new treatments work and to compare results with people who have specific conditions. Healthy volunteers are especially important in early studies that focus on safety, dosage, and possible side effects.

If you choose to participate, you may have a physical exam, undergo routine tests, such as blood work or imaging, or answer questions about your health and lifestyle. The research team will explain exactly what’s involved before you decide—and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions at every step.

Find a study enrolling healthy volunteers.

Clinical research is essential to understanding how treatments work in older adults. Yet people over 60 are often underrepresented in studies, even though many medical treatments are commonly used later in life. As a result, doctors sometimes must rely on research conducted in younger populations when caring for older patients—many of whom have multiple health conditions or respond differently to treatment.

Yale has provided specialized clinical care for older adults for decades and has conducted research involving older populations for nearly 40 years. Yale also partners with the VA, with several studies conducted at or in collaboration with the VA hospital in West Haven.

Find a trial related to aging or for older adults.

Cancer studies offer patients and volunteers the opportunity to contribute to research that advances cancer care. Studies vary widely and may involve treatment, prevention, screening, or supportive care. Participation is always a personal decision, and study teams work closely with participants to answer questions and explain what to expect.

Find a cancer clinical trial.

Yale physicians and scientists conduct research to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood diseases. Because children’s bodies grow and develop, treatments may affect them differently than adults. Studying therapies in children of all ages is essential to ensuring they are safe and effective.

Clinical research allows new pediatric treatments to be carefully evaluated and improved, helping advance care for children now and in the future.

Find a study related to children’s health.

Yale has a long-standing commitment to advancing research in diabetes and metabolic health. From early studies of insulin pump technology in the 1970s to current investigations into the biological and immunologic causes of diabetes, Yale researchers continue to lead in this field.

Today, Yale’s diabetes and obesity research continues to focus on prevention, causes, and improved treatments. Participation in research helps advance care for future patients and may provide access to new approaches under expert supervision.

Find a study related to diabetes, or obesity and weight management.

Advancing our understanding of the mind is just as critical as treating the body. At Yale, our behavioral health studies focus on developing innovative therapies for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders. By participating, you help our researchers uncover the biological and social drivers of mental wellness, leading to more personalized and effective treatments.

Find a study related to mental or behavioral health.

Clinical research is critical to understanding how diseases affect women and how treatments may work differently based on sex or gender. Historically, women have been underrepresented in clinical studies, even though biological and social factors can influence health outcomes.

Yale conducts a wide range of research studies that need female volunteers. Some focus on conditions that primarily affect women, while others examine differences that may lead to more personalized and effective care.

Find a study related to women’s health.