We do research to find out if medicines, devices, treatments and diagnostic medical tools are safe and effective. We also use it to improve our health services and the systems and technologies we use.

Sometimes you might be eligible to join a research study.

Joining a research study can lead to better ways of treating people in our community, in Australia and across the world.

Types of research

Our research includes:

  • clinical research – studies that involve patients helping us find new and better health treatments
  • clinical trials – where patients volunteer to test a new drug or device
  • health service studies – we use these to review and improve the health care we give patients
  • public health research – where we look for ways to improve the health of populations through prevention, education and policy
  • research translation – these projects help us move new knowledge into clinical practice.

A Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) reviews and approves any human research we do to make sure it's ethical.

What it involves

Research can be something as simple as an interview or survey. It can also involve:

  • having your medical history reviewed
  • giving blood, urine or tissue samples
  • testing a new medicine or medical treatment – we call this a clinical trial.

Your part will depend on the research study.

Taking part in research is voluntary. You can change your mind at any time. It won’t affect your treatment, and you'll continue to get the best care we can offer.

Clinical trials

A clinical trial is a study that tests new medicines, treatments, or medical tests to see if they're safe and work well. These must go through clinical trials before they are approved for use by the public. Joining a clinical trial helps researchers find out if the new treatment is better than what's already available.

Clinical trials include:

  • having surgical and medical treatments and procedures
  • taking experimental medicines
  • using biological products, such as blood, cells or saliva
  • testing medical devices
  • trying ways of preventing health issues
  • testing changes to how we deliver healthcare
  • taking part in health-related education.

Our clinical trials team includes experienced nurses and allied health professionals who support consumers who take part in clinical trials.

We also do tele-trials, where you can take part in a clinical trial without having to travel to the main site. For example, if a trial is based in Townsville, you can get your treatment in your hometown. This makes it easier for people in rural areas and reduces the need for long trips.

Benefits of taking part in research

When you take part in research, you help us build on our medical knowledge about a disease or condition and how we can treat it. In some cases, it may improve your health or the health of other people with the same disease or condition.

Taking part in a clinical trial can also help you:

  • access medicines or treatments that are only available through a clinical trial
  • learn new ways to improve your condition, health and wellbeing
  • feel sure you've tried all treatment options
  • make a valuable contribution to others in the future.

It doesn't cost anything to join a research study or clinical trial. Any treatment, tests and check-ups are paid for by the government agencies, universities, or pharmaceutical companies running the trial.

Informed consent

Before you take part in research, you need to know everything about it so you can decide if it's right for you.

For example, you'll need to know:

  • what the research is for
  • how long it will take
  • about all the procedures and appointments
  • who the main contact people are.

We'll explain any potential known risks and the benefits before you agree to take part. This is called informed consent.

You can ask your doctor or another clinician any questions about the research. Don't be afraid to ask about anything that you don't understand.

You'll need to sign an informed consent form before we enrol you in a research study.

Get involved in research

If you’d like to take part in a research study or clinical trial, talk to your doctor or treating team.

You can also check the following websites for research projects or trials that may suit you.

Contact us

For general enquiries about taking part in research and clinical trials you can email the following teams:

Last updated: March 2025

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