Participant rights

Your rights as a research volunteer

These rights apply before you join, while you take part, and after you leave a study.

Right to be informed: You should receive clear, understandable information about the study before you decide.
Right to ask questions: You can ask questions at any time, before, during, and after a study.
Right to decline: You can say no to joining without giving a reason.
Right to withdraw: You can leave a study at any time, even after signing the consent form.
Right to privacy: Your personal information should be protected as described in the consent document.
Right to new information: You should be told about new findings that might affect your decision to stay in the study.
Right to a copy: You should receive a copy of the signed consent form to keep.
Ethics review board: An independent committee that reviews studies to help protect the rights and welfare of volunteers.
Protocol: The written plan describing how a study will be carried out.
Principal investigator: The person responsible for leading a study at a particular location.