Is it safe?
What taking part really means.
Clinical trials are how new treatments are proven. Here's how they're run, what protects you, and the questions people ask most — in plain language.
How trials are run
Four phases. Each one a gate.
A treatment only moves on to the next phase when the one before it has shown it is safe enough to continue.
- PHASE IIs it safe?A small group, checking a treatment is safe and how the body handles it.
- PHASE IIDoes it work?A larger group, looking at whether it works and refining the dose.
- PHASE IIIAgainst current careHundreds or thousands, comparing it against current care.
- PHASE IVIn everyday useAfter approval, watching long-term safety in everyday use.
Your rights
Your rights don't change when you join.
Common questions
The questions people ask most.
Is it safe to join a trial?
Every study on MyResearchStudy is approved by an NHS Research Ethics Committee (REC) and the Health Research Authority (HRA), and medicines are overseen by the MHRA. You'll be told the known risks plainly before you decide.
Will it cost me anything?
No. Taking part is always free, and studies reimburse reasonable travel and your time. We show the reimbursement on each match.
What is a placebo, and might I get one?
A placebo is a dummy treatment used for comparison. Each match tells you the chance of being in a placebo group up front — some studies have none.
Can I change my mind after joining?
Yes. You can withdraw at any point without giving a reason and without affecting your usual NHS care. You can also opt out of the registry and remove your profile anytime from your portal.
Who sees my information?
Sponsors only ever see a de-identified pool — no name, no contact details — until you explicitly agree to be contacted for a specific study. Your data is never sold.
Next step
Ready to see what you could join?
Free, no obligation, and you decide every step.
Check your eligibility