Welcome to the Featured Research Studies Page

About Featured Research

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

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU

The Rembrandt Study – Adults with No Mental Health Disorders

Are you aged 60 or older and have no past or present mental health disorders? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand why some people experience repeated episodes of depression later in life. Participation involves MRI scanning, memory testing, and other assessments. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Healthy Volunteer

Age Range

AGE: 60 and up

Duration

DURATION: 2 years

VISITS: 5 clinical sessions & 9 phone calls

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $840

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.

Featured Research

Age Range

AGE: 40 and up

Gender List

SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH: Female

Duration

DURATION: 3 weeks

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $325 & parking/bus fare reimbursement

ALPHA Study – Help Researchers Understand the Visual System

Are you between 18-30 years old, right-handed, and have no history of psychosis, mania, or substance abuse? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study to help better understand how the brain works. Participation involves completing questionnaires and having an fMRI scan. Compensation provided.

Featured Research

Healthy Volunteer

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Up to 1 year

VISITS: Up to 2 in-person visits & online survey

Location

LOCATION: Loeffler Building & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Between $115-$150

Speech and Language Development in Adults Who Stutter

Are you aged 18-65 and currently stutter? You may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about how speech and language skills develop and change over time. This study will involve 1-3 sessions, each lasting about 1-3 hours. Eligible participants are native English speakers. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Other Brain and Nervous System

Speech and Language Disorders

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 1-3 hours each visit

VISITS: 1-2

Location

LOCATION: Forbes Tower - Oakland & Online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $10 per hour

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Study for People without a Concussion

Do you have a minor orthopaedic injury, such as a sprain or strain, that occurred in the past 10 days and did not require hospital admission? Are you aged 18-50? You may be able to participate in a 1-visit research study to find out if a virtual reality goggle system can accurately assess brain injury. Eligible participants have NOT had a concussion in the last 12 months. Compensation provided.

Featured Research

Other Bones, Joints, and Muscles

Age Range

AGE: 18 - 50

Duration

DURATION: 60-90 minutes

Location

LOCATION: University of Pittsburgh Concussion Research Lab – South Side

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $80

The Rembrandt Study – Ages 60 and up with Depression

Are you aged 60 or up and currently depressed? You may be able to participate in a two-part research study. During the first part of the study, a clinician will provide treatment for your depression. If your depression responds to treatment, you may enroll in the second part of the study to help understand why some people have a recurrence of depression and others do not. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: About 2 years and 5 months total

VISITS: Up to 12 clinical sessions and 6-9 phone calls

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $1190

The Rembrandt Study

Were you recently treated for depression and experienced an improvement in your symptoms? Are you aged 60 or older? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand why some people experience a return of depression after successful treatment and others do not. Participation includes MRI scanning, memory testing, and other assessments. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

AGE: 60 and up

Duration

DURATION: 2 years

VISITS: 5-8 clinical sessions & 6-9 phone calls

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic & UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $990

VISTAS Study

Do you have severe itch associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)? You may be able to participate in a research study to find out if an investigational medication called volixibat is a safe and effective treatment for itching associated with PSC and if it may improve markers associated with PSC disease progression. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: At least 32 weeks

VISITS: At least 10

Location

LOCATION: Kaufmann Building - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $60 per completed visit ($50 reimbursement & $10 compensation)

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.

Featured Research

Healthy Volunteer

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Up to 3 months

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital & UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $607 & parking/bus fare

Constellation Depression Neuroimaging Study

Are you 18-60 years old? Do you often feel down, low, or depressed? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand brain changes that occur over time in people with depression. Participation includes interviews, questionnaires, behavioral/computer tasks, brain scanning, and, for some participants, an optional ketamine infusion. Compensation provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 5 weeks

VISITS: Up to 6 in-person & 3 remote

Location

LOCATION: Oxford Building, UPMC Montefiore Hospital, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland & Online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $270

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.

Featured Research

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

STEP-HI: Hip Fracture Recovery Research Study

Are you a woman age 65 or older who had surgery to repair a hip fracture within the past five months? You may be eligible to participate in a research study to help find out if an exercise program, with or without hormone replacement therapy, improves physical functioning after a hip fracture. Transportation is provided.

Featured Research

Other Bones, Joints, and Muscles

Age Range

AGE: 65 and up

Gender List

SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH: Female

Duration

DURATION: About 10 months

VISITS: Varies

Location

LOCATION: Physical Therapy Clinical and Translational Research Center (PT-CTRC) & Montefiore Hospital Clinical and Translational Research Center (MUH-CTRC)

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Transportation provided for all visits

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.

Featured Research

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

TrialNet TOPPLE Type 1 Diabetes Study

Were you diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in the past 48 months? Are you 18-45 years old? You may be able to participate in a research study to test a new therapy that is designed to decrease the immune system attacks on insulin-producing cells. Study participation lasts one year and involves 16 in-person visits. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 1 year

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh - Lawrenceville

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $50 per study visit & some travel/parking expenses

TRANSPORT2 Study

Did you have a stroke within the past 6 months and are still experiencing one-sided arm weakness from the stroke? Are 18-80 years old? You may be able to participate in a research study to help find out if non-invasive brain stimulation combined with rehabilitation therapy improves arm weakness. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

High Blood Pressure

Other Heart and Circulation

And 1 more area

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 3.5 months

VISITS: At least 15

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $75 per visit

Women’s Biome Project – Recent Normal Mammogram

Are you a postmenopausal woman aged 55-64? Did you have a normal mammogram at a UPMC facility in the past three months? You may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about how the microbiome (the community of bacteria and microscopic organisms that live in our bodies) affects women’s health. Eligible participants have never been diagnosed with cancer. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Healthy Volunteer

Age Range

Gender List

SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH: Female

Duration

VISITS: One or more

Location

LOCATION: Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC & At home

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $35 & parking

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.

And 152 more areas

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

The Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)

Were you diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the last two years and are not currently taking standard PD medications? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand how Parkinson’s disease progresses over time. Study participation involves having physical exams, undergoing brain scans, and providing biological samples. Compensation is provided.

Chromosomal Disorders

Featured Research

Parkinson's Disease

Age Range

AGE: 30 and up

Duration

DURATION: At least 5 years

Location

LOCATION: Kaufmann Building – Oakland & Online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $100 - Screening visit; $200 - Baseline visit; $200 per annual visit

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

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.

Featured Research

Healthy Volunteer

Remote Research

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

Using Smartphone Assessments for Alcohol Use

Are you 18-25 years old and own a smartphone? You may be able to participate in a research study to understand drinking behavior in young adults. Study involves 1 in-person visit, completion of twice daily online questionnaires for 120 days, use of a Breathalyzer to record your blood alcohol content each evening and after drinking, and 3 follow-up phone/internet sessions. Compensation provided.

Featured Research

Healthy Volunteer

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 12 months

VISITS: 1 visit, online questionnaires, 4 follow-ups

Location

LOCATION: Sennott Square - Oakland, at home, by phone & online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $625

Brain Imaging Research Study – Cocaine Users

Do you currently use cocaine or have you recently used cocaine? Are you aged 18–55? You may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about two proteins in the brain that may play a role in substance use disorders. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 4 months

VISITS: At least 18 visits

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $2460

Brain Imaging Research Study - Social Smokers and Vapers

Are you aged 18–55 and smoke or vape nicotine-containing products at least twice per month? You may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about a protein in the brain that may play a role in substance use disorders. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Healthy Volunteer

Age Range

Gender List

SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH: Male

Duration

DURATION: 2-3 weeks

VISITS: At least 3

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $1000 & parking reimbursement

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

Adult Functioning Scale Study

Are you an adult diagnosed with Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, or Fragile X syndrome? You may be able to participate in a research study to help create a questionnaire that measures functioning in adults with developmental disorders. Participants will complete assessments. Compensation is provided.

Chromosomal Disorders

Featured Research

Remote Research

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: 1-2 hours

Location

LOCATION: Online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $80

FIT BOLD Research Study

Did you recover from depression in the past two years? Are you age 60 or older? You may be able to participate in a research study to help better understand how lifestyle modification affects the brain in recently depressed older adults. Participants will take part in one of two healthy lifestyle programs, each facilitated by a personal coach. Compensation and travel reimbursement is provided.

Featured Research

And 1 more area

Age Range

AGE: 60 and up

Duration

DURATION: About 9 months

VISITS: Multiple

Location

LOCATION: Bellefield Towers, Kaufmann Building, Sennott Square, UPMC Presbyterian Hospital, UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Oxford Building

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $340 & travel cost reimbursement

Chronic Low Back Pain with Mood Symptoms Study

Have you had chronic low back pain for at least six months and also have depression or anxiety symptoms? Are you aged 18-75? You may be able to participate in a research study to compare antidepressant medication and physical therapy for people with chronic low back who also have anxiety and depression symptoms. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

And 3 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 8 months

VISITS: 6-12 visits in the first 4 months

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Pain Medicine Clinic - Shadyside, Online, & by Phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $220 & public transportation reimbursement

NETI Research Study

Are you a person living with HIV? Have you been taking antiretroviral drugs that have been controlling your HIV for at least two years? You may be able to participate in a research study to find out if an investigational vaccine called Trimer 4571 is safe and well tolerated in people living with HIV and if it will help the body’s immune system respond to HIV. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: About 50 weeks

Location

LOCATION: Falk Medical Building - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $425 & parking/travel-related expenses

Reproductive Outcomes of Women with Rheumatic Diseases

Are you an 18-44 year old woman who is diagnosed with an autoimmune disease (also called rheumatic disease)? Do you take medication for your disease? You may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about reproductive decisions in women who have autoimmune diseases. This study involves completing a questionnaire once every three months. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Other Immune System/Infections

Rheumatoid Arthritis

And 1 more area

Age Range

Location

LOCATION: Before clinic visits, or by email, or by phone

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $50 for the first survey & $25 for each subsequent survey

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

KEYSTUDY – Parents with Bipolar Disorder

Do you have bipolar disorder? Are you the parent of a 12-18-year-old? You and your child may be able to participate in research study focused on early intervention and referrals for children at risk for developing mental health disorders due to their family history. This study involves assessments, interviews, questionnaires, and sessions with a study therapist. Compensation provided.

Bipolar Disorder

Featured Research

Remote Research

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: 18 months

Location

LOCATION: Videoconference or Bellefield Towers

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Yes

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

KEYSTUDY – Age 18

Do you have a parent diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Are you 18 years old? You may be able to participate in a research study focused on early intervention for young people who are at risk of developing mental health disorders due to their family history. This study involves assessments, interviews, and online sessions with a study therapist. Compensation provided/no in-person visits required.

Bipolar Disorder

Featured Research

Healthy Volunteer

Remote Research

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 18 months

Location

LOCATION: Videoconference or Bellefield Towers

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $818

15104 Seniors Project

Are you or someone you know aged 65 or older and live in the 15104 ZIP code? Learn about a research project that is studying healthy aging and what factors allow people to preserve their ability to think, remember, and solve problems over time. This study involves a yearly interview of up to 3 ½ hours for up to 5 years. Compensation and small gift provided.

Featured Research

Healthy Volunteer

Age Range

AGE: 65 and up

Duration

DURATION: Up to 5 years

VISITS: Yearly

Location

LOCATION: The research office located at 501 Braddock Ave, Suite 101, Braddock, PA 15104

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $50 & a small gift each year

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

Opportunities to Improve Recovery after Injury

Have you been involved in a physical injury that resulted in seeking Emergency Department treatment within the past 30-days? You may be able to participate in a research study to help us learn how to improve the recovery process. Participation involves downloading and using a mobile phone for 1-week, then sharing your feedback and recovery experiences in a 60-minute online interview.

Fall Prevention

Featured Research

And 6 more areas

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 60 minutes

Location

LOCATION: Online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: $30

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

OPTIMUM Research Study

Are you bothered by chronic low back pain? You may be able to participate in a research study to find out if group mindfulness meditation sessions, coordinated with your primary care provider, can help reduce chronic low back pain. This study involves surveys, an interview, and monthly virtual visits. Some participants will also attend weekly online group sessions. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Other Injuries/Injury Prevention

Other Wellness and Lifestyle

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: About 1 year

Location

LOCATION: Online

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $265

Processing Images and Words Study

Are you 18-40 years old and right-handed? You may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about how the brain processes images and words. Eligible participants must be native English speakers and should not have any experience with Dutch or German languages. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Healthy Volunteer

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: 2 hours & 15 minutes

VISITS: Up to 2

Location

LOCATION: CMU-Pitt Brain Imaging Data Generation & Education (BRIDGE) Center – Carnegie Mellon University

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $40

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.

Featured Research

Pregnancy and Postpartum Health

Age Range

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

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

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.

Featured Research

Other Brain and Nervous System

Remote Research

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

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.

Bipolar Disorder

Featured Research

Age Range

Duration

DURATION: Up to 3 months

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital & UPMC Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic - Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $607 & parking/bus fare

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.

Featured Research

Pregnancy and Postpartum Health

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

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

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.

Featured Research

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Duration

DURATION: 1 hour

Compensation

COMPENSATION: NONE

DP3 Study

Are you in your first trimester of pregnancy? Are you planning to deliver at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital? You may be able to participate in an observational research study to help understand the factors that contribute to a healthy pregnancy. Study visits will overlap with your prenatal appointments, delivery, and postpartum care. Compensation is provided.

Featured Research

Precision Medicine

Pregnancy and Postpartum Health

Age Range

AGE: 18 and up

Gender List

SEX ASSIGNED AT BIRTH: Female

Duration

DURATION: Up to 9 months

VISITS: Every 8 weeks ending at delivery

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, or Magee-Womens, UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA & by videoconference

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Will receive compensation & bus/parking for each in-person study visit & will be able to keep Fitbit

A Sensorimotor Microelectrode Brain-Machine Interface

Do you have little or no ability to use your hands due to a cervical spinal cord injury, brainstem stroke, or spinal stroke? Are you aged 22-70? If so, you may be eligible to take part in a research study involving brain-machine interface (BMI) technology. BMI technology uses signals recorded from the brain to control devices such as a computer or a robotic limb. Compensation provided.

Assistive Devices

Featured Research

Other Bones, Joints, and Muscles

And 2 more areas

Age Range

AGE: 22 - 70

Duration

DURATION: 25 months

VISITS: Multiple

Location

LOCATION: UPMC Presbyterian Hospital – Oakland

Compensation

COMPENSATION: Up to $14,810 & travel costs

NO IN-PERSON VISITS

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.

Featured Research

And 1 more area

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