How to Find Research Studies at Local Universities: A Step-by-Step Guide

Participating in research studies at local universities offers a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific discovery, gain early access to new treatments or innovations, and sometimes even earn compensation. 

Whether you’re a student looking to support your peers or a community member interested in clinical trials, university research studies are often accessible and rewarding. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to find these opportunities step by step.

Key Takeaways

• University research studies are open to both students and community members.
• Most opportunities are listed on university websites or department pages.
• Campus bulletin boards, research portals, and national databases are valuable resources.
• You can often choose studies based on your interests, availability, and eligibility.
• Some studies offer compensation, while others are voluntary.

Why Participate in University Research Studies?

University research studies play a crucial role in advancing knowledge across fields like health, psychology, and education. By volunteering, you contribute to important discoveries while potentially gaining insights, compensation, or access to new treatments.

For instance, the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program has enrolled 297,549 participants to date to accelerate health and medical breakthroughs.

For students, it’s a chance to get involved in the academic community beyond the classroom. Participating can deepen your understanding of how research is conducted, strengthen your resume, and help you build connections with faculty or researchers in your field of interest. 

Many research studies also offer monetary compensation or gift cards, making them an easy way to earn extra support while contributing to ongoing research.

Community members benefit as well. Participating in research can give you early access to innovative treatments, tools, or insights, particularly in health-related studies. It also allows you to contribute to causes that align with your interests or personal experiences, knowing that your involvement may lead to better outcomes for others in the future.

Types of Research Conducted at Universities

Universities conduct a wide range of research, often with help from volunteer participants. Common areas include:

• Clinical and medical trials exploring new treatments and diagnostics
• Behavioral and psychology studies examining how we think and act
• Social science research on education, communication, and public policy
• Technology testing involving apps, devices, and user experience
• Public health and environmental studies focusing on lifestyle and community impact

Each type plays a vital role in advancing knowledge and solving real-world problems.

Steps to Find Research Studies at Local Universities

Follow these steps to discover the best research studies at local universities: 

Step 1: Start with University Websites

Most universities maintain dedicated pages listing active research studies.

For instance, UC San Diego Health currently has over 400 active clinical studies, highlighting the extensive research opportunities available at major universities.

Try searching for:

• “Participate in research [University Name]”
• “Research opportunities for volunteers [University Name]”
• “Clinical trials [University Name]”

These pages often categorize studies by department, eligibility, and whether compensation is provided. Even if there’s no centralized database, individual departments often manage their own participant recruitment. Check:

• Psychology department pages for behavioral studies
• Medical school websites for clinical trials
• Public health and education departments for survey-based research

Step 2: Explore University Research Centers and Labs

Universities usually have dedicated labs or research groups listed under faculty profiles or departmental directories. Look for:

• Lab websites with ongoing projects
• Publications or grant information
• Mentions of participant recruitment
  

If a lab is running a study that interests you, reach out directly. Send a short, polite email asking if they are recruiting participants and whether you qualify. 

Step 3: Use Campus Bulletin Boards and Social Media

Many studies are advertised on:

• Bulletin boards in libraries, dormitories, or cafeterias
• Digital signage throughout campus
• University student portals or internal job boards

These often list basic eligibility, time commitment, and whether compensation is available.

Research labs and departments frequently post recruitment calls on social media. Search for:

• “[University Name] Psychology Research”
• “@UCLAResearch” or similar handles
• Relevant hashtags like #StudyParticipants or #UniversityResearch

Step 4: Register on University Research Portals

Some universities use participant management systems like SONA or REDCap. These systems allow you to:

• Create a user account
• Fill in your demographic and health information
• Indicate interest in specific study types

These portals often allow you to filter by:

• In-person vs. online research studies
• Paid research studies vs. unpaid opportunities
• Study duration and scheduling

Once registered, you may receive email invitations to participate in studies that match your profile.

Note: With the virtual clinical trials market projected to grow from $2.64 billion in 2023 to $7.11 billion by 2029, online research studies have become increasingly prevalent, offering participants the flexibility to engage in studies remotely.

Step 5: Check with University Hospitals and Clinics

University-affiliated hospitals are often involved in large-scale clinical trials. You can:

• Visit the hospital’s website and look for a “Clinical Research” or “Trials” section.
• Search for specific medical conditions you’re interested in or affected by.

Hospitals usually list contact details for study coordinators or provide a sign-up form for research participation. Don’t hesitate to call or email for more information about current studies.

Step 6: Use National and Local Databases Linked to Universities

These platforms aggregate studies from institutions across the country, including universities:

• ResearchMatch.org connects volunteers with studies from academic institutions.
• ClinicalTrials.gov includes searchable listings by location, study type, and health condition.
• Some universities also cross-list their studies on these platforms.

When using national databases:

• Use the location filter to narrow to your zip code or university town.
• Look for sponsoring organizations (e.g., “Harvard University,” “UCLA,” etc.)
• Read the eligibility requirements carefully to ensure you’re a match.

Conclusion

Finding research studies at local universities is easier than you might think. From departmental websites to national portals and social media, there are many entry points to explore. Whether you’re looking to contribute to science, access new treatments, or earn some extra money, taking part in academic research can be a rewarding experience.

Start by checking your local university’s research pages, reach out to labs directly, or register on a university portal to begin your participation journey. 

Want to explore paid research opportunities right away? Join Focus Group Panel to access nationwide studies, including online surveys, product tests, and clinical trials. 

FAQs

Do I need to be a student to participate?

No, many university studies welcome community members, especially clinical and public health trials.

Are these studies paid or voluntary?

It varies. Some studies offer financial compensation, gift cards, or other incentives, while others are voluntary.

What kind of studies can I expect?

Expect a range of studies from clinical trials and psychology experiments to surveys and usability tests.

How do I know if a study is legitimate?

Always ensure the study is affiliated with an accredited university and approved by an Institutional Review Board (IRB). Legitimate studies clearly outline risks, benefits, and your rights.

Will participating affect my university record?

No, participating in a study will not affect your academic record or grades. It’s completely separate from your academic performance.