About Featured Research

Please see newly added research studies and other select study opportunities below.

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU


HCC 19-120: Advanced Prostate Cancer Study

Have you been diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer? If so, you may be eligible for a research study to help find out if combining two investigational drugs, called niraparib and JNJ-63723283, is effective as a treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. Reimbursement provided for travel and meals for each visit.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration VISITS:  Multiple visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Hillman Cancer Center sites in Monroeville, Upper St. Clair, Passavant, Shadyside, & Arnold Palmer Mt. View (Greensburg), St. Margaret


Chronic Hand Eczema Study

Do you have chronic hand eczema? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to evaluate the safety and efficacy (how well something works) of a study drug called ARQ-252 cream in people who have chronic hand eczema. This study includes up to 7 in-person visits over 17 weeks. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 17 weeks
VISITS:  Up to 7 in-person visits
Location LOCATION:  Falk Medical Building - Oakland


Bullous Pemphigoid Study

Do you have bullous pemphigoid? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to help find out whether an investigational study drug called dupilumab is effective and safe for the treatment of bullous pemphigoid. This study will involve up to 24 in-person visits over up to 50 weeks. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 90

Duration DURATION:  Up to 50 weeks
VISITS:  Up to 24 in-person visits
Location LOCATION:  Falk Medical Building - Oakland


COVID-19: Loss of Smell and Brain Function

Were you tested for COVID-19? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to help understand if COVID-19 has any effect on our brains and the way we think. Regardless of whether you tested positive or negative, you are still eligible. The study involves completing an online survey, an online cognitive test to measure brain function, and a scratch-and-sniff smell test sent by mail.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  3-6 months
VISITS:  Up to 3 remote visits
Location LOCATION:  Online (no in-person visits)


Pittsburgh Vaccine Clinical Trial Unit Registry - Adults 18 and up

Are you interested in vaccine research? If so, you can sign up to be part of a group of people who will be contacted when a new vaccine is ready to be tested. Participants will complete an online consent form and may be asked to provide a blood sample.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Location LOCATION:  Online


SCS for Stroke Study

Did you have a stroke more than 6 months ago? Do you still have some arm weakness from the stroke? If so, you may be able to participate in a study using neurotechnologies as a new treatment for arm and hand paralysis. Eligible participants are ages 21-70. This study involves up to 26 in-person visits to the University of Pittsburgh or UPMC. Compensation and travel reimbursement are provided.

Age Range
AGE:   21 - 70

Duration DURATION:  9 months (which includes 1 month of daily tests)
VISITS:  Up to 26
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Presbyterian Hospital & Rehab Neural Engineering Labs - Oakland


HCC 19-146: Metastatic Prostate Cancer Study

Have you been diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer? If so, you may be eligible for a research study to see how often men with metastatic prostate cancer have DNA-repair defects and to provide the results to both you and your study doctor. This study involves 1 visit where you will provide either a saliva or blood sample for genetic research.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration VISITS:  1
Location LOCATION:  Various UPMC Cancer Center locations


Parental Acceptance of the HPV Vaccine in the Dental Office

Are you the parent of a child ages 7-17? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to see how parents perceive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and its suitability for their children. This study involves completing an online survey based on your opinions before and after viewing brochures about the HPV vaccine that could be found in either a medical or a dental office.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  10-15 minutes
VISITS:  No in-person visits
Location LOCATION:  Online


AAV Neutralizing Antibody Titer Study

Researchers are seeking volunteers to participate in an Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) immune response study. Eligible participants have either worked with AAV in a laboratory setting OR have never been exposed to AAV. The study requires one 30 minute visit involving a blood draw and a survey. An additional 5-minute visit may be required for cheek swab based on results. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  30 minutes
VISITS:  1 or 2
Location LOCATION:  The study team will contact participants by phone or online. Blood draws will be scheduled at the UPMC Montefiore CTRC - Oakland


Transdermal Estrogen in Women with Anorexia Nervosa – Healthy Volunteers Needed!

Are you a healthy woman ages 20-45 who takes no medications? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to help better understand whether low estrogen levels contribute to poor sleep and low bone density. This study involves 1 in-person visit lasting about 2-3 hours. The study visit will include a bone density test (DXA scan) and providing blood and saliva samples. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   20 - 45

Duration DURATION:  2-3 hours
VISITS:  1
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Montefiore Hospital - Oakland


STEEL-COVID

Do you own a smartphone? If so, you may be able to participate in an online research study to help monitor behavior and health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participation involves installing study apps on your personal smartphone and completing weekly surveys for 6 months. Participants who complete the surveys may enter into random drawings for gift cards.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  6 months
VISITS:  No in-person visits; one survey per week
Location LOCATION:  Online


COVID-19 Stress Response Study for UPMC Healthcare Workers

Are you a UPMC healthcare worker? You may be able to complete an anonymous 30-minute online survey to help learn more about how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts mental health. Participants in this research study may enter a drawing for a gift card after completing the survey.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  About 30 minutes
VISITS:  No in-person visits; online survey only
Location LOCATION:  Online


COVID-19 Stress Response Study

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are asking adults aged 18 and up to complete an online survey to help learn more about how the COVID-19 pandemic affects mental health. Participation in this research study involves completing one anonymous survey that takes about 30 minutes. Participants may enter a drawing for a gift card after completing the survey.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  About 30 minutes
VISITS:  No in-person visits; online survey only
Location LOCATION:  Online


Medication Adherence Interview Study

Do you take at least one prescription medication to treat high blood pressure or a heart condition? Are you aged 18-45? You may be able to participate in an online research study to help better understand how people manage their medications at home. Participation involves one online video session that will be recorded. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 45

Duration DURATION:  About 2 hours
VISITS:  No in-person visits; 1 online session
Location LOCATION:  Online


COVID-19 and Parents

Do you have at least one child under the age of 3 years? If so, you are eligible to participate in a study to help determine whether the daily childcare routines of families with small children have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. This study involves completing a brief (5-10 minute) survey.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  5-10 minutes
Location LOCATION:  Online


COVID-19 and Multiple Sclerosis Survey Study – Participants with and without MS

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are seeking participants with and without a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis for a survey study to help better understand the risk and impact of COVID-19. Participation in this research study involves completing multiple surveys online over the course of one year.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  1 year
VISITS:  No in-person visits; multiple online surveys
Location LOCATION:  Online


The Pittsburgh Study: COVID-19 Family Supports Survey – Parents and Expectant Parents

Are you the parent of at least one child aged 0-17, or are you an expectant parent? You may be able to participate in an online research study to help understand how families are dealing with the challenges of COVID-19. Participation involves completing a survey about your family’s needs and the resources in your community. Five participants per week will be randomly selected to receive $100.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration VISITS:  At least one online survey: no in-person visits
Location LOCATION:  Online or by phone


PROTECT Depression Research Study

Are you age 55 or older and currently depressed? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to help understand why some people become depressed and have thoughts of hurting themselves, while others do not. This study includes 2-3 interview sessions lasting 2-4 hours, with yearly follow-ups for 4 years. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   55 and up

Duration DURATION:  4 years
VISITS:  2-3 interview sessions with yearly follow-ups
Location LOCATION:  This study has temporarily switched to remote visits, but participants will need to travel to Oakland for visits once stay-at-home orders are lifted.


MyPaTH Story Booth – COVID-19 Stories

Participants are invited to share how they are maintaining their own health during the coronavirus pandemic or to share what it is like being ill with coronavirus, and/or caring for a loved one who is ill. Participation involves one 45-minute session that takes place over the phone. Eligible participants must be able to read and understand English.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  45 minutes
Location LOCATION:  By phone


MelaOstrong Study

Have you been diagnosed with osteopenia (bone loss) by your doctor? You may be eligible to participate in a research study to find out if a natural treatment option that includes weight-bearing exercises (called osteogenic loading) and melatonin supplements can improve bone health and overall quality of life in people with osteopenia and reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  1 year
VISITS:  Weekly
Location LOCATION:  OsteoStrong® located in Scott Towne Center – Green Tree


HCC 19-184: Advanced Prostate Cancer Study

Have you been diagnosed with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer? If so, you may be eligible for a research study to help find out what effects, good and bad, that an investigational drug called tazemetostat has on you and your prostate cancer. Reimbursement for study visits is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  28 months
VISITS:  Multiple visits
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Hillman Cancer Center - Shadyside


SMASH Study – Age 18

Are you 18 years old and enrolled in high school? Do you own an Android smartphone and use social media? If so, you may be able to take part in an online research study to help better understand how social media use affects sleep and mood in teenagers. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18

Duration DURATION:  Up to 8 weeks
VISITS:  No in-person visits
Location LOCATION:  Online only


MoodRing Study

Are you the parent of a child ages 12-17 who has been diagnosed with depression? If so, you and your child may be able to participate in a study to help understand whether smartphone use is related to symptoms of depression. Parents must be willing to participate along with their child. Study can be completed over the phone and online. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  24 weeks
Location LOCATION:  Online & By Phone


FInD - The Family Income Dynamics Study – Parents of Teens Aged 14-16

Are you the parent of a teen who is 14-16 years old? If so, you and your teen may be eligible to take part in an online research study to help better understand the relationship between teens, parents, and money. Participation involves one in-person visit remote session and eight surveys. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  9 months
VISITS:  1 remote session & 8 online surveys
Location LOCATION:  Online


TAPAS Sleep Study

Are you the parent of a teen ages 13-15? If so, you and your child may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers test a sleep program intended to help teens improve their sleep. Includes watching a 2-minute video about sleep, completing computer tasks, sleep diaries, setting sleep goals, and meeting with a clinician to discuss sleep. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  3-4 months
Location LOCATION:  Most study procedures can be done remotely


Remote Wheelchair Maintenance Training Program

Do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility (over 40 hours a week) due to a traumatic spinal cord injury? If so, you may be interested in participating in a research study to find out if an online training program designed to teach people how to improve wheelchair maintenance techniques is effective. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  Varies
Location LOCATION:  Online


“Log on” Baby Development Research Study - Pregnant Women

Are you pregnant? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers understand how babies develop. Participation involves online video calls and online questionnaire completion in your home. You will be invited to participate with your child for 8 observation windows (30 minutes each), but you may complete fewer. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 50

Duration VISITS:  Up to eight observations
Location LOCATION:  At home


Wheelchair Maintenance App

Do you use a wheelchair as your primary means of mobility? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to track wheelchair use, breakdowns and repairs through an app. Eligible participants must have a smartphone or tablet with internet access. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 5 years
Location LOCATION:  Online


Experiences of Men with Cancer - Questionnaire

Are you an adult male with a past or current cancer diagnosis? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand how men with cancer stand up for themselves (called “self-advocacy”). Involves completing questionnaires (paper or online) that will take about 30-45 minutes. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  30-45 minutes
Location LOCATION:  Multiple locations


Experiences of Men with Cancer – Interview

Are you an adult male with a past or current cancer diagnosis? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about how men with cancer stand up for themselves (called “self-advocacy”). Involves 3 interviews over 6 months. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  6 months
VISITS:  1-2 visits, plus 2 phone calls
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Passavant, or a location of your choosing


WiseSOVA Study

Are you the parent of a teen or young adult who is currently experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, or has in the past? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help build an educational website for parents who have been through similar experiences. This study is done entirely online.

Age Range
AGE:   25 - 65

Duration VISITS:  No study visits required
Location LOCATION:  Online


SOVA Study for Adults with Depression/Anxiety

Are you an adult age 18-26 who is currently experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, or has in the past? If so, you may be able to help researchers build an online peer support community for depressed and anxious young adults. This study is done entirely online.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 26

Duration DURATION:  Up to participant
Location LOCATION:  Online