Yale Center for Clinical Investigation

Trials are designed by researchers. New treatments are first tested in laboratories and, when appropriate, in animal studies. Promising approaches then move into clinical trials, where researchers learn more about safety, effectiveness, and side effects.

People volunteer for many reasons: to support research on a condition they live with, to help a loved one, to explore new treatment options, or to contribute to care that may help others in the future. Many of the treatments we rely on today exist because people chose to participate.

Read more about common questions about volunteering for a clinical trial.

Choosing to take part in a clinical trial is a personal decision. Clinical trials help advance medical knowledge, improve treatments, and, in some cases, provide access to new therapies. Learning how trials work—and what participation involves—can help you decide whether volunteering is right for you.

If you’re interested in exploring clinical trials at Yale, our Help Us Discover team can help you learn about current studies and connect you with research staff.

The first step is to create a volunteer profile in MyChart. Creating a volunteer profile allows you to express interest in study categories, which helps our recruitment team match you to trials for which you may be eligible. It indicates that you are interested in volunteering for a study, but it is not a commitment to do so.

If you already have a MyChart account:

• Log into MyChart
• Click on the link to create a volunteer profile

If you do not have a MyChart account:

• Visit the MyChart registration page
• Complete the form to request an access code

Once you fill out and submit the activation code request, you will receive your access code within one business day. Then you can follow the steps to create a volunteer profile.

For more information about creating a volunteer profile, please email us at helpusdiscover@yale.edu or call 877-978-8343. Learn more about accessing MyChart.

If you express interest in participating a clinical trial, your information is shared with the study team. A coordinator may contact you to discuss eligibility and find a study that is right for you. It’s important to note that expressing interest does not guarantee enrollment, and you can change your mind at any point.

No, you do not have to have a medical condition to participate in a research study. Some trials require participants with a specific condition, while others need healthy volunteers to serve as comparisons.

Yes. Most clinical trials provide short-term treatments related to a designated illness or condition, but do not provide extended or complete primary health care. In addition, by having the health care provider work with the research team, the participant can ensure that other medications or treatments will not conflict with the protocol.

Side effects are unwanted effects of a treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, headache, or skin irritation. Researchers monitor participants closely for both short- and long-term effects.

Some studies use leftover blood or tissue to better understand disease, including genetic research. These samples do not affect your care, are not linked to your medical record, and are protected to safeguard your privacy.

You will not receive payment or personal results from research-only genetic testing. You can change your mind about allowing your medical records or tissue to be used for research at any time by opting out of research studies.

Clinical trials are governed by strict ethical and legal standards. Every trial must be reviewed and monitored by an Institutional Review Board (IRB)—an independent committee that ensures participant rights and safety.

Trials follow detailed protocols, and results are shared with scientific and regulatory organizations. Your personal identity is kept confidential.

Your information is protected under HIPAA and federal research regulations. Search engines cannot see your profile. Your data is used only for approved research purposes.

You may be contacted about future studies unless you opt out.

The study sponsor typically covers research-related costs. Routine medical care may be billed to you or your insurance. Study staff will explain costs before you enroll, but always ask what expenses may apply.

Yes, you can leave a clinical trial. Participation is always voluntary. You can leave a trial at any time for any reason. The research team may ask about your experience to help ensure your safety.

Yale has a long history of advancing children’s health through clinical research. Studies conducted at Yale have contributed to major advances in pediatric medicine, including diabetes care, newborn screening, fetal and neonatal medicine, infectious disease prevention, and genetic research.

Safety is the top priority. Pediatric clinical trials follow strict federal, state, and institutional regulations. Every study involving children is reviewed and monitored by expert committees, including pediatric specialists.

Independent review boards ensure risks are minimized and reasonable in relation to potential benefits. No child is enrolled until a study meets all ethical and safety requirements.

Yes. Research involving children includes additional safeguards beyond those required for adult studies. Each study is carefully reviewed by pediatric experts before enrollment begins.

Yes. A parent or legal guardian must provide permission before a child can participate in a clinical trial.

Your child also has a say. When appropriate, children are involved in the decision through a process called assent. This means:

• The study is explained in an age-appropriate way
• Children are encouraged to share how they feel about participating
• Their comfort and willingness are taken seriously

Every child is different, and participation should feel respectful and supportive at any age.

When you receive medical care at any site in the Yale New Haven Health System, your medical records, leftover blood and/or tissue may be used for research purposes, or you may be contacted about clinical research unless you opt out. You will be asked if you would like to opt out of having your records, blood, and tissue included in research studies when you visit a Yale physician or have tests or treatments.

You can change your mind about allowing your medical records or tissue to be used for research at any time.

If you would like to find out more about the kinds of research conducted at Yale or how your information or leftover samples are used for research, call 877-978-8348, option 3.

If you are concerned about your safety in connection with a research study, call our Human Research Protection Program at 203-785-4688.

If you have concerns regarding your privacy in connection with participating in research, call 877-978-8348.