Friday, November 28, 2008

First post!

It has come to my attention, from the experiences of my friends, my experience as a research assistant and my own research participation in studies, that there is an abundance of these studies available all over Toronto but there is no central location where people can go to in order to find these studies. Researchers spent hundreds, even thousands of dollars trying to bring in participants. Research assistants all over the area spend countless hours doing mass mailing, emails and developing advertisements for these studies. And websites like Kijiji and Craigslist have no real quality filter. Finding these good studies can be very difficult! A lot of us would love some extra money for filling out some forms and some people don't mind doing bigger things like MRIs and pharmaceutical testing. Some people even like participating for the sake of science and research.


Often, people who would be willing have no access to this information. On this blog, I hope to post current postings for research and medical studies in the Toronto area, as well as any information about this sort of work. If anyone has any information or a study that needs participants, feel free to email me and I'll post relevant stuff. I cannot speak for each individual study in terms of requirements, reimbursement or ethical issues that you may have but I feel it's about time that this information is amalgamated into one space.

I will re-post the information about studies exactly how I find it or receive it. If any changes need to be made, let me know.

Most of my current information is from the University of Toronto, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and the University Hospital Network. so I'm going to try to expand my knowledge and my reach as time goes by.

Here are some recent ones I've come across from U of T. I can't guarantee that they are still looking for participants but it's up to you to try!


PAID RESEARCH:

Children from a CHINESE background needed

The Child Study Centre at the University of Toronto is conducting a study in collaboration with Southwest University in China.

We are seeking 4-to 6-year-old Chinese children who understand English.

Children will play child-friendly games, which examine their cognitive and brain development.

PARENTS WILL RECEIVE $20 FOR PARTICIPATION in a 1.5 hour session.

Children receive a small prize, and parking (or TTC expenses) will be provided.

If you are interested please contact us at 416 978 7315 or email: a.lahat@utoronto.ca



HEALTHY MALE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY

Healthy male non-smoking volunteers, age 18-35 wanted for a study investigating the effects of the drug rosuvastatin (a common cholesterol lowering medication) on blood vessel function. You will need to visit Mount Sinai Hospital on two occasions, the first taking 30 minutes and the second taking 2 hours of your time. Non-invasive measurements of an artery in your arm will be made.

You will be compensated for your time.

If you are interested in participating or have further questions, please contact the study coordinator Andrew Liuni at andrew.liuni@utoronto.ca, or 416-586-8412


Participants needed for study of personality and family dynamics! (at St. George or UTM)

We are currently conducting a study on personality and family dynamics and we are looking for participants! We are looking for university/college students who are living with both of their biological parents to participate. Both of your parents also have to be willing to participate and speak English fluently, or well enough to fill out questionnaires. As a part of this study, you will each be asked to fill out a number of questionnaires, which will take no longer than 2 hours to complete. It is possible to complete the study either on the St. George or on the Mississauga campus, but other arrangements are possible if your family cannot come into our lab! If you are interested in participating in this study or would like to get more information, please contact us at schimmacklab@yahoo.com We provide participants a compensation of $25 per person, ($75 per family) for participating in this study.


HEALTHY MEN AGED 60-69 NEEDED FOR RESEARCH STUDY

Researchers in the Clinical Cardiovascular Physiology Lab at Toronto General Hospital are looking for healthy men in their 60's who are not taking any medication and are not physically active on a regular basis. We are testing reflex neural responses to a simulated postural change and measuring peak exercise capacity. Two visits are required and reimbursement is provided. Please call Bev or Cathy at 416-340-4755 for more information.