Who We Serve: Research Participants
Supporting participants, improving trials, and speeding cures.
WCG's solutions protect and empower research participants across their clinical journey while helping companies conduct safer and more efficient trials.
Join us in accelerating the discovery of treatments
Whether you’re a healthy volunteer or a participant, clinical trial participation is a tremendous opportunity to accelerate medical science, find answers, and serve the greater good.
When you volunteer for research, you’re providing an invaluable service to humankind. It’s also important to understand that clinical trials are experimental, so you’re taking a risk. You need to weigh that risk against the potential benefits before deciding whether to participate.
If you’re ready, you can start your search for clinical trials with WCG CenterWatch’s online Clinical Research Trials database.
participants in WCG-supported studies
partnerships with patient advocacy groups
How WCG supports research participants and patient advocacy groups
As a global leader in the clinical trials industry, WCG strives to educate, empower, and connect participants (or those considering participation) to the critical resources they need.
Part of our mission is to raise awareness of clinical trials as a care option for both patients and physicians that serve them. This is crucial, because while 81% of Americans surveyed said they’d participate in a clinical trial if it were recommended by their doctor, research from Tufts found that physicians refer less than 0.2% of their patients to clinical trials.
WCG is also dedicated to improving the patient experience for clinical trial participants by amplifying the voices of patients and advocates via our WCG Patient Forum events, video series and online resource center.
Hear from trial participants and patient advocates at the WCG Patient Forum:
Know Before You Enroll
One of the many ways WCG safeguards research participants is by making sure they are aware of their rights and how important they are. These include the right to:
Decide whether to participate without any pressure. It’s your decision, and you are under no obligation to participate in any research done by your doctor. If you choose not to participate, you will not be penalized in any way.
Know why the research is being done and what it will involve, including any drugs or devices that will be tested.
Be told about the risks and potential benefits of the research – including new risks and findings that are discovered during the clinical trial.
Know what other treatment options are available if you do not take part in the clinical trial.
Ask questions before and during the trial. While you are considering whether to participate, you will receive a written explanation of the research and be asked to sign a consent form. You have the right to request a copy of this form.
Change your mind and quit the research study at any time without penalty.
Resources for Research Participants
Clinical Study Questions and Answers
NIH Clinical Research Trials and You
Commonly Used Terms
Volunteering for a Clinical Trial
WCG CenterWatch Trial Listing
OHRP About Research Participation
WCG: Protecting participants every step of the way
WCG has been advocating for participants for decades, from pioneering the concept of Independent Ethical Review in 1968 to reviewing hundreds of thousands of studies since. The responsibility of our IRB Review services to ensure that appropriate steps are taken to minimize the risks and protect your rights, safety, and welfare. This is our top priority — everything we do reflects that.
We’re here for you how and when you need us. If you’re already participating in a trial and have questions, our research team will be your first point of contact. Please reach out immediately if you’re experiencing medical problems – the contact information is on your consent form.
For general questions about participating in clinical research or to express concerns or complaints that you prefer not to discuss with WCG’s research team, please complete the form below or contact our Research Participant Specialist at 855-818-2289 and one of our staff members will respond to your inquiry as quickly as possible.
Research participant contact form
If you’re already participating in a clinical trial and have questions, please contact the research team first — especially if you’re experiencing medical problems. The contact information is on your consent form.
For general questions about participating in clinical research, or to express concerns or complaints that you prefer not to discuss with the research team, please complete this form and one of our staff members will respond to your inquiry as quickly as possible.
If you prefer, you can also call us and speak with a Research Participant Specialist at 855-818-2289.