Health Research and Clinical Trials at Columbia

One of our goals at Columbia University is to transform human health. We do this by studying new ways to care for patients. Each year, our doctors and researchers lead thousands of studies. Many lead to findings that help people live healthier lives.

What Is Health Research?

Health research is the study of a question to learn more about human health. It is also called clinical research. This type of research collects health information to create and test new medicines, medical tools, or treatments.

Some examples include:

  • Creating a new test to find breast cancer
  • Comparing two medicines for heart disease to see which one works better
  • Developing new lenses to help people see better after eye surgery

Clinical trials are a key part of health research. They make sure new treatments are safe and work well. Joining a study can help doctors understand how treatments affect people before they become available to everyone.

Is Health Research Safe?

Being a part of health research can sometimes have risks. Researchers must limit these risks before they can ask anyone to be a part of their study. You will be told about any risks before deciding to be part of a study.

All health research at Columbia must follow safety rules from the university, the U.S. government, and international organizations.

Before a study starts, a group called an Institutional Review Board, or IRB, must review it. An IRB is a group of experts like doctors, nurses, scientists, and community members. The IRB checks that the study is safe and fair. They also make sure the study follows federal rules and tries to limit any risks.

Research staff must also follow rules called Good Clinical Practice, or GCP. These rules help make sure studies around the world are done safely and fairly. GCP training teaches staff how to protect patients and keep research honest. The rules are based on respect, doing good, not causing harm, and sharing the benefits of research fairly.

Together, the IRB and GCP standards help make sure Columbia puts your safety, rights, and respect first.

What Does Being in a Research Study Involve?

It depends on the study. Studies collect different kinds of information. Some studies test a treatment or medicine. Other studies use tools or machines to measure or track your health. Studies also vary in how long they last.

You do not have to join a study just because you are a good fit. You can take time to think and talk with your doctor or others before deciding. You are always in control. You can stop at any time, and this will not affect your medical care.

Before joining, you and the research team will go over the study together so you understand what is involved and can ask questions. This process is called Informed Consent.

You will get a form that explains:

  • Why the study is being done
  • What you will be asked to do
  • How long the study will last
  • The risks and benefits of joining
  • How your personal information will be kept private
  • Any payment you may receive for participating in the study

The research team will talk through all of this with you before you decide. After you agree, you can join the study. You can also leave the study at any time.

How Do I Join a Research Study?

The first step is finding a study that interests you. There are several ways to find studies:

  • Your Columbia doctor may suggest a study or clinical trial that could be a good fit for you.
  • A research team may send you a message through Connect (your health portal), email, phone, or mail. You can ask to stop these messages at any time, and this will not affect your care. To opt out:
  • You can join a research registry. A registry connects people who want to volunteer with researchers. By signing up, you agree to be contacted about future studies.

Some research registries you can join include:

RecruitMe: A free tool from Columbia University that connects volunteers with research studies. You can search for a study or sign up to hear about future studies. Learn more at the RecruitMe website.

ResearchMatch: A free national registry that connects volunteers with researchers. They will email you about studies that may be a good fit for you. Learn more at the ResearchMatch website.

Columbia Community Partnership for Health (CCPH) Registry: This registry matches you with health studies in upper Manhattan, including Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood. If a study interests you, you can contact the researchers, ask questions, and see if you are a good fit. To learn more or join, visit or call CCPH:

390 Fort Washington Avenue, Ground Floor
New York, NY 10033
On Fort Washington Ave. between 177th and 178th Streets
Phone: 646-697-2274

To learn more about health research and clinical trials, visit Columbia’s Irving Institute for Clinical and Translational Research website.

Who Can Take Part in Research Studies?

Anyone who wants to volunteer is welcome. However, there are special rules for some people:

  • Children under 18 cannot agree to join a study on their own. A parent or guardian must give permission for them.
  • Some adults may need help making a choice because of a health condition. In these cases, a caregiver or legally authorized representative—like a family member or court-appointed guardian—can give permission for them.

If you think someone in your care may be a good fit for a research study, please talk with the researchers. Ask as many questions as you need. Researchers will explain the purpose of the study, what taking part involves, possible risks and benefits, and the right to stop at any time.

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