About Featured Research

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

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU


Lumbar Reliability Study

Are you ages 30-75 and have had back pain for at least the past 3 months? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to evaluate a new system for measuring motion in your lower back. This study Involves having a CT scan, along with a high-speed x-ray imaging of your lower back. Participation will take approximately 2 hours over the course of 1-2 days. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   30 - 75

Duration DURATION:  2 hours
VISITS:  1-2
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh Biodynamics Laboratory – South Side


Alcohol Users: CRF-NOP Brain Imaging Study

Are you 18-50 years of age? Do you have a problem with alcohol? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to help learn more about a protein in the brain that regulates stress in addiction. This study involves providing blood and urine samples, brain scanning (1 MRI and 2 PET scans), and the administration of intravenous hydrocortisone. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 50

Duration DURATION:  2-3 weeks
VISITS:  3
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Presbyterian Hospital - Oakland


Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Study

Did you complete treatment for your breast cancer (Stage I-IIIa only) more than 6 months ago, but less than 2 years ago? Are you a woman age 65 or up? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to help improve the way cancer rehabilitation services are provided to breast cancer survivors. This study involves completing a 15-minute questionnaire and a 1-hour interview. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   65 and up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 21 days
VISITS:  No in-person visits
Location LOCATION:  Questionnaire – Online or by mail; Interview – By phone


Electronic Cigarettes/Vaping Survey Study for Parents

Are you the parent of a child under the age of 18? If so, you may be able to take a one-time, anonymous, online research survey about parents’ experiences and preferences regarding teen use of electronic cigarettes or vaping. Eligible participants must have an email address and access to an internet-connected device. Participants will be chosen at random to receive an electronic gift card.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  15-30 minutes
VISITS:  No in-person visits
Location LOCATION:  Online


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


The HERO-HCQ Study

Are you a healthcare worker who has direct exposure to patients with COVID-19? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help find out if taking hydroxychloroquine can prevent COVID-19 infection in healthcare workers who are at a high risk for contracting the virus. Participation includes 2 in-person visits over 2 months.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  2 months
VISITS:  2 visits
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh Asthma Institute at UPMC – Oakland


A Study to Assess Nemolizumab in Participants with Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Have you had atopic dermatitis (eczema) for at least 2 years? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to help determine how safe and effective a study drug, called nemolizumab, is in treating atopic dermatitis. Study participation may last up to 60 weeks and may involve up to 16 study visits. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 60 weeks
VISITS:  Up to 16
Location LOCATION:  Falk Medical Building - Oakland


CCN013C Emergency Contraception Study

Do you need emergency contraception for an unprotected sex act that occurred in the past 72 hours? Are you a woman aged 18-40 who weighs 176 pounds or more? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to learn more about the effectiveness of three different doses of emergency contraception. Participants will be compensated.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 40

Duration DURATION:  1 month
VISITS:  1-2 visits + 2-3 phone calls
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital


ENGAGE Pilot Study

Did you have a stroke at least 3 months ago? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help find out if a new rehabilitation program can help people with stroke resume activities outside of the home. Involves completing assessments, wearing an activity monitor, and participating in 12 group sessions with a rehabilitation therapist and peer mentor. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  Up to 8 weeks
VISITS:  Multiple
Location LOCATION:  At participant’s home & community centers in Allegheny County


Brain Imaging in Heroin Users

Do you currently use heroin, or have you recently used heroin? Are you between the ages of 18-40 years old? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to help learn more about the role of a protein in people with opioid use disorders. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 40

Duration DURATION:  1 month
VISITS:  About 4 visits
Location LOCATION:  Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC) and UPMC Presbyterian Hospital


The NOAH Study

Are you a relatively healthy adult between the ages of 28 and 56? If so, you may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about the relationship between social and behavioral factors, brain function, and heart health. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   28 - 56

Duration VISITS:  8 visits

Location LOCATION:  Old Engineering Hall and Sennott Square - Oakland


Adaptive Optics Imaging Study – Glaucoma

Are you 18-65 years of age? Have you been diagnosed with glaucoma or suspected glaucoma? If so, you may be able to take part in a research study to test a new imaging technology. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 65

Duration DURATION:  2 hours
VISITS:  1
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Eye Center - Oakland


Research Attitudes in Alzheimer’s Disease

Are you ages 50-70? Have you taken a commercial genetic test, such as 23andMe®? Have results from that test shown that you have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease? If so, you may be able to participate in a study to help determine your interest in participating in Alzheimer’s disease research studies. This study involves completing a questionnaire over the phone.

Age Range
AGE:   50 - 70

Duration DURATION:  About 1 hour
VISITS:  No in-person visits
Location LOCATION:  By phone


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

Are you interested in vaccine research? If so, you can sign up to be part of the Pittsburgh Vaccine Clinical Trial Unit Registry—a group of people who agree to be contacted when a new vaccine is ready to be tested. Consent to participate in this research study can be done online. Compensation provided if a blood sample is collected.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration VISITS:  0-1 visits
Location LOCATION:  Online


SCS for Stroke Study

Did you have a stroke more than 6 months ago and are still experiencing arm weakness from the stroke? Are you aged 21-70? You may be able to participate in a research study to help learn more about the use of electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and spinal nerves for restoring arm movement. Participation involves up to 26 in-person visits. Compensation and travel reimbursement provided.

Age Range
AGE:   21 - 70

Duration DURATION:  9 months
VISITS:  Up to 26 visits
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 Survey – Parents of Children Aged 7-17

Are you the parent of a child aged 7-17? If so, you may be able to complete a survey to help researchers better understand how parents feel about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and its suitability for their children. Participation in this research study takes about 10-15 minutes and does not involve any in-person visits.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

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


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


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 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 health during the coronavirus pandemic, or to share what it is like being ill with COVID-19 and/or caring for a loved one who is ill with COVID-19. Participation in this research study 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:  About 45 minutes
VISITS:  No in-person visits
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


Volunteer for Asthma – AIR (Asthma Institute Research Registry) - Adults with Severe Asthma

Do you have severe asthma—a condition typically characterized by daily asthma symptoms that are not well-controlled with medication? You may be able to take part in the Asthma Institute Research Registry. Participation in this research study involves one visit lasting about 90 minutes. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  1.5 hours
VISITS:  1
Location LOCATION:  University of Pittsburgh Asthma Institute at UPMC, University of Pittsburgh Division of General Internal Medicine, UPMC Comprehensive Lung Center


Perioperative Ketamine in Opioid-Tolerant Patients Undergoing Lumbar Spine Surgery

Are you 18-70, scheduled to have lumbar, thoracic, or cervical spine surgery, and take prescription opioids for back pain? You may be able to help investigate the impact of surgical and recovery use of the drug ketamine on pain and opioid use after surgery. Eligible participants are scheduled for surgery with either Dr. Moossy, Dr. Kanter, Dr. Okonkwo, or Dr. Hamilton. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 70

Duration DURATION:  Up to 6 weeks
VISITS:  2 study visits and 2 standard-of-care visits
Location LOCATION:  Posner Pain Clinic in the Aiken Medical Building (Shadyside) & UPMC Neurosurgery Clinic (Oakland)


The LIBRA Study

Do you have very heavy periods? You may be eligible to receive an intrauterine device (IUD) as part of the LIBRA study. The study is looking to evaluate the effectiveness of a levonorgestrel IUD as a treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding. The study involves up to 9 scheduled visits and 1 phone call over 10 months. Compensation is provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 - 50

Duration DURATION:  10 months
VISITS:  Up to 9 visits + 1 phone call
Location LOCATION:  UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital


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


BREATHE-SMART Research Study – Parents with Bipolar Disorder

Have you been diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Are you the parent of a 10-15 year old child? If so, you and your child may be able to take part in a research study to learn more about the relationship between brain function and the risk for bipolar disorder, and to find out if mindfulness can change brain function and mood symptoms in children at risk for bipolar disorder. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Duration DURATION:  About 3 months
VISITS:  Up to 5 visits
Location LOCATION:  Online via Microsoft Teams & Scientific Imaging and Brain Research Center on Carnegie Mellon University – Oakland


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


Plaque Psoriasis Research Study

Have you been diagnosed with chronic plaque psoriasis for at least the past 6 months? If so, you may be eligible for a study to help researchers compare the effectiveness and safety of two treatments for psoriasis that have been successful in some patients. Study involves 15 in-person visits, lasting about 1 hour each, over 6 months. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   18 and up

Location LOCATION:  Falk Medical Building - Oakland


“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


Brain Regulation of Emotions and Thoughts – Parents with Bipolar Disorder

Do you have bipolar disorder? Are you the parent of a child 10-15 years old? If so, you and your child may be able to take part in a research study to help learn more about emotions and memory in children and adolescents. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   21 and up

Duration VISITS:  2 visits
Location LOCATION:  Online via Microsoft Teams & Scientific Imaging and Brain Research Center on Carnegie Mellon University – Oakland


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