Many biomedical and social-behavioral research studies require the participation of human volunteers. These studies must be reviewed by a committee called an Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is made up of at least 5 members from diverse backgrounds including scientific and nonscientific professionals as well representatives from various communities not affiliated with Drexel. The IRB helps to ensure the safety of research participants and to ensure ethical standards required by Federal regulation, international best practices, state and local laws, as well as institutional policies are met.

Volunteering as a research participant is a valuable way to contribute to scientific knowledge and the betterment of society. Choosing whether to volunteer is an important decision. Please click on the links provided below to learn more about research participation.

• HRP-900 – BROCHURE – Should I Take Part in Research [PDF]
• Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) - About Research Participation
• ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of privately and publicly funded clinical studies conducted around the world.
• ResearchMatch-  a secure, easy-to-use volunteer registry funded by the National Institutes of Health. Researchers from approved academic institutions like Drexel University can use ResearchMatch to find volunteers who are a correct fit for their work.

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about your involvement in a research study or questions about your rights as a research subject, you may call us at 267.359.2471 or email HRPP@drexel.edu.