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Participant Resources and Support


Many changes have occurred over the years to protect people who decide to join a research project. Federal laws are in place to protect participants' rights. If you decide to take part in research, you cannot be forced to do something you do not want to do, and you have the right to leave a study at any time, for any reason. Listed below are several places at the University of Michigan, which you can call to get answers to your questions about research.

The University of Michigan IRB (Institutional Review Board) is the group that reviews all university research projects before they begin to ensure they are as safe as possible and that your rights are protected. No study can begin without their approval. The group includes doctors, nurses, UM staff and community members and can answer questions about your rights if you are thinking about taking part in research.

The Minority Health Research Program (MHRP) helps people of color from the local area join research projects. The research studies are on health topics and diseases that are important to communities of color.

The Diversity & Career Development Office (DCDO) develops and implements programs to support the recruitment, retention, and career development of outstanding faculty, staff, house officers, and students from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds. Through education and research, DCDO wants to recruit and train new faculty in areas of minority health disparities research.

The Michigan Clinical Research Unit (MCRU) is a place to serve people and their families who are participating in a research study under doctor's care. The GCRC is a combined adult and children's hospital unit at the University of Michigan. The GCRC helps medical researchers carry out clinical research studies in a safe and controlled environment.

The Program for Multicultural Health (PMCH) is part of the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS). Its purpose is to help members of different racial and ethnic groups gain greater access to quality healthcare, increase their understanding about how to prevent medical problems common in their group and get help to plan local health promotional activities. Visit their web site to learn more about their Community Health Promotion projects as well as their Health Education Resources.

The Women's Health Program (WHP) has programs to help meet the needs of women who may be interested in taking part in research.

The Cancer Answer Line is staffed by experienced Oncology nurses who combine knowledge and compassion to provide personalized answers to each caller's questions. The nurses offer information on the entire spectrum of cancer issues including clinical trials. UM Comprehensive Cancer Center has, at any given time, about 150 clinical trials or research studies in progress. Each trial has specific criteria for participation based on type and state of disease. To speak to a cancer nurse call 1-800-865-1125 (M-F 9:00am-4:30pm ET).