Research Participants

Where to learn more about your rights or discuss a problem:

If you are already participating in a research study, you are encouraged to communicate with the research team first, especially if you are experiencing medical problems.

You may also contact the University of Pennsylvania's Office of Regulatory Affairs, Institutional Review Board (IRB) for help if:

• you want general information or have general questions about research or your rights
• you wish to discuss problems, suggestions, or concerns
• you do not feel comfortable talking with the research team
• you want advice on how to communicat with the research team
• you have communicated with the research team and they have not been able to help you
  

You may contact the IRB by mail or by phone.  Every precaution will be taken to maintain your confidentiality. 

Mailing Address:

University of Pennsylvania

Office of Regulatory Affairs

Institutional Review Board

3624 Market Street, Suite 301 South

Philadelphia, PA 19104-6006

Telephone:  (215) 898-2614

The Center for Information & Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) organizes and hosts AWARE for All (Annual Workshops to Advance Clinical Research Education). These educational programs are held in metropolitan areas and are free and open to the public. They include thank you receptions for local clinical research participants, informational workshops with top doctors and researchers, health screenings and additional educational resources.
For more information, please visit http://ciscrp.org/programs/aware/index.html

Where to learn more about research participation

Where to Learn More About Research Participation:

Download OHRP Pamphlet "Becoming a Research Volunteer: It's Your Decision"
(Adobe Reader Required - download the Adobe Reader here if you have trouble opening the brochure)

Penn Institutional Review Board
215-898-2614

Penn Office of Human Research
http://www.med.upenn.edu/ohr/

Penn Center for Bioethics
http://www.bioethics.upenn.edu/

Research at Penn
http://www.med.upenn.edu/research/

OHRP (Office for Human Research Protections)
http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/outreach/

Center Watch
http://www.centerwatch.com/

Clinical Trials.gov
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/

Oncolink
http://cancer.med.upenn.edu/

National Cancer Institute
http://www.cancer.gov/

Clinical Trials & Insurance Coverage - NCI Resource Guide

http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learning/page3

National Institutes of Health
http://www.nih.gov/

FDA (Food & Drug Administration)
http://www.fda.gov/

FDA for Kids
http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/kids/default.htm

FDA's MedWatch
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/

FDA Access to Investigational Drugs

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ByAudience/ForPatientAdvocates/AccesstoInvestigationalDrugs/default.htm

Kids for Research
http://www.kids4research.org/

Kids Health
http://www.kidshealth.org/kid/word/

Human Genome
http://www.genome.gov/Pages/EducationKit/

Medline Plus
http://medlineplus.gov/