About Featured Research

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

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU


Heat-Not-Burn Tobacco Product Study

Are you a healthy adult smoker who is 21-65 years old? You may be able to participate in a 1-visit research study to find out how people who regularly smoke cigarettes respond to a new product that heats but does not burn tobacco. This new product is not a vaping device or e-cigarette. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   21-65

Duration DURATION:  1.5 hours
VISITS:  1
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic - Oakland
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$30

Children and Colds: Telemedicine Use Study – Parent Interviews

Are you the parent of a child who is 1 to 5 years old? Is your child insured through Medicaid? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand how families make decisions about seeking medical care for children with colds. This study involves a one 1-hour interview conducted by Zoom or by phone. Compensation provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  1 hour
VISITS:  1
Location LOCATION: 

Over Zoom or by phone
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Yes

Urinary Urge Incontinence Study

Do you experience a sudden, strong urge to urinate or “overactive bladder” that sometimes results in urine leakage? Do situations such as running water or approaching the front door trigger your urgency? Women aged 40 or older may be able to participate in a research study to help find out if two non-drug treatments can improve urinary incontinence. Compensation and travel expenses are provided.

Age Range
AGE:   40 and up

 
Gender List
SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH:   Female

Duration DURATION:  3 weeks
VISITS:  7
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic - Oakland
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $325 & parking/bus fare reimbursement

Early Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Study – Normal Vision

Do you have normal vision? Are you 18-80 years old? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand the difference between normal eye aging and eye disease. This study involves providing a health history, undergoing an eye exam and optional blood draw, and having your eyes imaged. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18-80

Duration DURATION:  5 hours total
VISITS:  3 (all visits within 10 days)
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Eye Center - Oakland
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$25 per completed visit

Daily Learning Study

Are you 18-30 years old and frequently use a smartphone? You may be able to participate in a research study about cause and effect relationships. This study involves one video call session and completing one 3-minute task per day for 15 days on your smartphone. Eligible participants must be fluent in English and reside in the Eastern Time Zone. Compensation provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18-30

Duration DURATION:  About 2 weeks
VISITS:  1 video call session
Location LOCATION: 

Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$20 through PayPal

Prevention of Recurrent Clostridium Difficile Infection in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Do you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease? Are you currently being treated with antibiotics for Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection? You may be able to participate in a research study to help find out if a drug used for the prevention of C. diff works to break the cycle of the infection in people with IBD. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  24 months
VISITS:  1 in-person visit required
Location LOCATION: 

Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) at UPMC Montefiore - Oakland and by phone/online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$15 per visit (up to $60)

Designing Technology for Health Study - Caregivers

Do you currently help monitor the health of an older or chronically ill adult family member who does not live with you? You and your family member may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about the experiences, needs, and preferences of adults with chronic health conditions and those who help them. This study involves up to two 30-60 minute interviews. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  30-60 minutes per interview
VISITS:  Up to 2
Location LOCATION: 

Mobile Sensing + Health Institute (in Oakland) or Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$15 per participant per interview

Designing Technology for Health Study

Do you receive help managing your health from an adult family member who does not live with you? You and your family member may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about the experiences, needs, and preferences of adults with chronic health conditions and those who help them. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  30-60 minutes
VISITS:  Up to 2
Location LOCATION: 

Mobile Sensing + Health Institute (in Oakland) or Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$15 per participant per interview

Needle Phobia Study – Parents of Children 3-6 Years Old

Are you the parent of a 3-6 year old who is afraid of needles? Is your child currently scheduled to receive a vaccination in the near future? You and your child may be able to participate in a research study to help develop a game designed to reduce fear of needles in young children. The study involves playing online games and completing questionnaires. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   Parents 18 and up

Duration DURATION:  10 days
Location LOCATION: 

At home
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Yes

Pregnancy 24/7 Study

Are you in your first trimester of pregnancy (less than 13 weeks pregnant)? Are you aged 18-45? You may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about movement and rest patterns across all trimesters of pregnancy. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18-45

 
Gender List
SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH:   Female

Duration DURATION:  Approximately 7.5 months
VISITS:  1 in-person & 2 virtual
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, or Oak Hill Physical Activity and Weight Management Research Center, or at participating UPMC practices & Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $150

Computer Science Education - Parent Perspectives

Are you the parent of a child in 6th-12th grade? You may be able to take part in a research study to help understand parents’ perspectives about computer science education. Eligible participants may or may not have experience with computer science. Participation involves one short online survey. Upon completing the survey, participants may enter a random drawing for one of five Amazon gift cards.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  5-10 minutes
VISITS:  1 survey
Location LOCATION: 

Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

NONE

The PREVENTABLE Study

Are you age 75 or older? You may be able to participate in a research study to help find out if taking a statin drug may help older adults live well for longer by preventing dementia, disability, or heart disease. Participation in the study may last up to five years. Currently, all study visits will take place by videoconference and phone. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   75 and up

Duration DURATION:  5 years
VISITS:  During COVID-19, visits only via telehealth & Zoom
Location LOCATION: 

Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$15 after completion of baseline activities

Addressing Autism in African American Families Research Study

Are you the parent of an African American/Black child aged 7-11 who has autism or a related disorder? You and your child may be able to participate in a research study to find out if a new therapy can help autistic children improve their coping and problem-solving skills. This study includes two 30-minute sessions per week conducted via Zoom. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  10-12 weeks
VISITS:  16
Location LOCATION: 

Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Yes

Telehealth and Memory Study

Are you a breast cancer survivor who completed chemotherapy one to five years ago? Do you have problems with your memory, concentration, and/or attention? You may be able to participate in a research study to test two treatments that may help breast cancer survivors improve cognitive function. This study involves 8 weeks of therapy completed online or by mobile phone, and optional MRI scanning.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  14 hours over 9 months
Location LOCATION: 

Online (optional MRI visits at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital – Oakland)
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Compensation provided for optional MRI scans only

Clinician Focus Group on Cognitive Impairment

Are you an attending physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner who provides primary care to patients aged 65 and up? You may be able to participate in a research study to help understand clinicians’ experiences with screening patients for cognitive impairment. Participation involves one 50-minute online focus group. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   30 and up

Duration DURATION:  50 minutes
VISITS:  1
Location LOCATION: 

Online (Microsoft Teams)
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$75 gift card

Immunotherapy Study – Healthy Females Ages 18 and Up

Are you a healthy adult female who has delivered at least one child? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help develop a new immunotherapy. Participants will provide a saliva sample and may be asked to provide a blood sample. Your child or the father of your child will also be asked to provide a saliva sample. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

 
Gender List
SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH:   Female

Duration VISITS:  Up to 2 visits
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $45

Brain Imaging/Brain Stimulation Research Study in Young Adults

Are you 18-35 years old, right-handed, and have no personal or family history of bipolar disorder? You may be able to participate in a research study to help find out how noninvasive brain stimulation affects brain function in people with and without bipolar I disorder. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18-35

Duration DURATION:  Up to 3 months
VISITS:  5
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Presbyterian Hospital & UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic - Oakland
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $607 & parking/bus fare

Brain Imaging/Brain Stimulation Research Study in Young Adults with Bipolar I Disorder

Are you 18-35 years old, right-handed, and diagnosed with bipolar I disorder? You may be able to participate in a research study to help find out how noninvasive brain stimulation affects brain function in people with bipolar I disorder. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18-35

Duration DURATION:  Up to 3 months
VISITS:  5
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Presbyterian Hospital & UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic - Oakland
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $607 & parking/bus fare

SLEPT Study

Did you give birth in the past 2-4 months? Are you age 18 or older? You may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about sleep and physical activity changes in women who have recently given birth. Participation takes place online and by phone. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

 
Gender List
SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH:   Female

Duration DURATION:  9 months
Location LOCATION: 

Online & By Phone
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$150

CTN-0080 MOMs Study

Are you a pregnant woman who uses opioids or is currently prescribed Suboxone, Subutex, or Zubsolv? You may be able to participate in a research study to compare the safety and effectiveness of two different forms of buprenorphine for pregnant women and their unborn children. The study begins while you are pregnant and continues until 12 months after you have given birth. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

 
Gender List
SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH:   Female

Duration DURATION:  14-20 months
VISITS:  Weekly visits
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital - Oakland
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Between $1,690 and $2,710

Playful Learning Study – Parent of a 4-Year-Old Child

Are you the parent of a healthy, typically developing 4-year old? You and your child may be able to participate in an online research study to help understand how parents support children’s learning and development. Participation involves 4 virtual home visits, a short phone interview, child development assessments, and questionnaires about family activities. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  8 weeks
VISITS:  4 virtual visits & one phone call
Location LOCATION: 

Online & By Phone
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Yes

Social Determinants of Health Study

Are you a patient at the General Internal Medicine Clinic in UPMC Montefiore? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand the social factors that may impact health. Participation involves completing one survey by phone or online.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  10-15 minutes
VISITS:  1
Location LOCATION: 

By phone or online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

NONE

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me – Parents of Children Under Age 3

Are you the parent of a child under 3 years old and do you live in the Homewood neighborhood of Pittsburgh? You may be able to participate in a research study to find out if an online telehealth visit about your child’s oral health is helpful. Participation involves a one-on-one online visit, a free tooth brushing demonstration, and a drop-off of dental health supplies.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  1 hour
VISITS:  1
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

NONE

Measuring Meltdowns: Development of a New Questionnaire of Emotions for Young Children – Parents of Children Aged 2-5

Are you the parent of a 2-5 year old child? You may be able to participate in an online research study to help develop a new questionnaire for measuring emotion management in children. Compensation provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 1 hour
VISITS:  1
Location LOCATION: 

Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$50

Measuring Meltdowns: Development of a New Questionnaire of Emotions for Young Children – Parents of Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disorders

Are you the parent of a 2-5 year-old child who has an intellectual or developmental disorder such as Down syndrome, Fragile X, Rett, Angelman, Prader-Willi, or Williams syndrome? You may be able to participate in an online research study to help develop a new questionnaire for measuring emotion management in children. Compensation provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 1 hour
VISITS:  1
Location LOCATION: 

Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$50

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

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are seeking adults with and without a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or other neuroinflammatory disease for a survey study to help understand your feelings about the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants in this research study may or may not have already received the COVID-19 vaccine. Participation involves completing multiple surveys over one year

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  12 months
VISITS:  Multiple online surveys
Location LOCATION: 

Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

NONE

Virtual BEaM Study – Parents with Bipolar Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder

Do you have bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder? Are you the biological parent of a child ages 11-14 who has mood swings? Your child may be able to participate in a research study to find out how a virtual mindfulness group works in adolescents with mood swings. The study involves participating in group mindfulness sessions via video. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18-60

Duration DURATION:  5-6 months
Location LOCATION: 

Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Yes

Virtual BEaM Study – Parents of Children ages 11-14

Are you the parent of a child aged 11-14 who has mood swings? Does your child have a biological parent or sibling with depression or bipolar disorder? Your child may be able to participate in a research study to find out how a virtual mindfulness group works in adolescents with mood swings. The study involves participating in group mindfulness sessions via video. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  5-6 months
Location LOCATION: 

Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Yes

START Smart Study – Adults with ADHD Enrolled in 2-year College or Vocational/Trade School

Are you an 18-21 year-old with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who is currently enrolled in a 2-year college or vocational/trade school? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study investigating the effects of tracking ADHD symptoms and receiving feedback on symptoms by smartphone. Compensation provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18-21

Duration DURATION:  3 weeks
VISITS:  2
Location LOCATION: 

Video calls
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $335

Writing Interventions for Aromatase Inhibitor Medication Adherence Study

Were you prescribed an aromatase inhibitor (AI) within the past week, or will you be prescribed an AI in the future? You may be eligible for a remote research study to test whether a writing intervention improves medication adherence and reduces physical symptoms and stress. This study involves questionnaires, writing activities, and the use of an electronic pill bottle. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

 
Gender List
SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH:   Female

Duration DURATION:  1 year
Location LOCATION: 

Online & By Phone
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $230

HCC 20-138: Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Study

Have you been diagnosed with early-stage or advanced triple-negative breast cancer? You may be able to participate in a research study to find out if a new combination of anti-cancer study drugs is a safe and effective treatment for people with triple-negative breast cancer. Participation in this study may last up to 21 months.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 21 months
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital – Oakland & UPMC Hillman Cancer Center - Shadyside
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

NONE

HCC 20-195: HER2+ Breast Cancer Study

Do you have HER2-positive breast cancer that may have spread to other parts of your body? You may be able to participate in a research study to find out if the combination of two anti-cancer study drugs is a safe and effective treatment for adults with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer. Reimbursement for study visits is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 48 months
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital – Oakland, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center - Shadyside, and other UPMC Hillman Cancer Center community sites
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Yes

Language Use and Mental Health during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period

Are you currently pregnant or did you give birth in the past 12 months? Are you age 18 or older? You may be able to participate in a research study about maternal mental health. This study involves completing five weekly online surveys that will take about 15-25 minutes each. Compensation is provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

 
Gender List
SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH:   Female

Duration DURATION:  5 weeks
VISITS:  5 surveys
Location LOCATION: 

Online
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $50 in Amazon gift cards

The Hassles and Health Study

Are you 20-50 years old, a non-smoker, and in good physical and mental health? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help learn more about how the body responds to stress. The study involves two in-person visits lasting 7.5 hours in total. Visits take place at 1:30pm. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   20 - 50

Duration DURATION:  3 months
VISITS:  2 visits lasting 7.5 hours total
Location LOCATION: 

Old Engineering Hall - Oakland
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$150 & parking/transportation

All of Us Pennsylvania Research Program

You may be able to change the future of medicine. The All of Us PA Research Program is enrolling adults 18 years of age or older. This may be your chance to improve how your children and your children’s children receive medical care.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration VISITS:  one in person visit
Location LOCATION: 

Convenient locations near you including Altoona, Monroeville, North Hills, Oakland, Philadelphia, Shadyside, the South Hills and more!

Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$25.00 gift card

Pain in the Brain Study for Individuals with Suicidal Thoughts and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

Have you recently had suicidal thoughts and engaged in non-suicidal self-injury, such as cutting? Are you aged 18-24? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand why some people harm themselves on purpose and to learn more about how physical pain and emotional pain may be related in the brain. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18-24

Duration DURATION:  4 months
VISITS:  1 in-person & 1 remote

Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Online, and By Phone
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $170

Pain in the Brain Study for Individuals with Suicidal Thoughts

Have you recently had suicidal thoughts and are aged 18-24? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand why some people think about suicide and to learn more about how physical pain and emotional pain may be related in the brain. Eligible participants have never injured themselves on purpose. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18-24

Duration DURATION:  4 months
VISITS:  1 in-person & 1 remote
Location LOCATION: 

UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, Online, and By Phone
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $170

NOD STUDY

Are you a UPMC patient who was newly diagnosed with diabetes or high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) in the past three months? Are you 50-85 years old? You may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about the relationship between hyperglycemia/diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Study participation involves questionnaires and providing blood samples. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   50-85

Duration DURATION:  36 months
VISITS:  At least 4 in-person visits & 1 phone call
Location LOCATION: 

Shadyside Medical Building and other select UPMC outpatient locations
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Up to $200

Neuromodulation for Resilience Study

Are you a healthy 18-40 year old who exercises at least 2.5 hours per week? You may be able to participate in a research study to help find out if non-invasive brain stimulation can be used to adjust hormones associated with physical performance and resilience. Eligible participants are right-handed and must be willing and able to undergo MRI scanning and blood draws. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18-35

Duration DURATION:  Between 6 weeks and 12 months
VISITS:  Up to 9 visits possible
Location LOCATION: 

Neuromuscular Research Laboratory (NMRL) & Carnegie Mellon’s BRIDGE Center
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

Between $200-$700

PROTECT Depression Research Study

Are you age 55 or older and currently depressed? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help understand why some people become depressed and have thoughts of hurting themselves, but others do not. At this time, all study visits will take place by phone or online. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   55 and older

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.

Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$100 to $150

Diabetes in the Social Environment (DSE Study)

Are you an African American male with type 2 diabetes? Were you diagnosed 5-15 years ago? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to better understand how friends and family help you manage your diabetes. Eligible participants are unmarried and not living with a romantic partner, and must have a friend or family member willing to participate. Compensation provided.

NO IN-PERSON VISITS REQUIRED
 
Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

 
Gender List
SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH:   Male

Location LOCATION: 

Online, by videoconference, and/or by phone
Compensation COMPENSATION: 

$175 for participant with diabetes & $150 for study partner