About Featured Pediatric Research

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

CURRENT STUDIES THAT MAY INTEREST YOU


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:   0 - 17

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:   12 - 17

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


Pittsburgh Vaccine Clinical Trial Unit Registry – Children Aged Birth-17

Are you the parent of a child under the age of 18? If so, you can sign your child up for 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:   0 - 17

Duration VISITS:  0-1 visits
Location LOCATION:  Online


Parental Acceptance of the HPV Vaccine Survey

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:   7 - 17

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


COVID-19 Stress Response Study – Teens aged 13-17

Are you the parent of a teen aged 13-17? If so, your teen may be able to complete a 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:   13 - 17

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


The Pittsburgh Study: COVID-19 Family Supports Survey

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

Age Range
AGE:   0 - 17

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


SMASH Study – Teens Aged 13-17

Do you have a teen aged 13-17 who is enrolled in grade 9-12? Does your teen own an Android smartphone and use at least one social media site? Your teen 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:   13 - 17

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


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

Does your child aged 12-17 have severe asthma—a condition typically characterized by daily asthma symptoms that are not well-controlled with medication? Your child 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:   12 - 17

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


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:   13 - 15

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


BREATHE-SMART Research Study

Does your 10-15 year old child have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder? If so, 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 four weeks of regular mindfulness practice can change brain function and mood symptoms. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   10 - 15

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


“Log on” Baby Development Research Study

Are you the parent of a child who is 0-24 months old? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a study to help researchers understand how babies develop. Involves online video calls and online questionnaire completion in your home. You will be invited to participate with your child for up to 7 observation windows (30 minutes each), but you may complete fewer. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   0 - 2

Duration VISITS:  Up to 7 observations
Location LOCATION:  At home


Wheelchair Maintenance App

Are you the parent of a child ages 16-17 who uses a wheelchair as their primary means of mobility? If so, your child may be eligible to participate in a study to track wheelchair use, breakdowns and repairs through an app. Eligible participants have a smartphone or tablet with internet access. Compensation provided.

Age Range
AGE:   16 - 17

Duration DURATION:  Up to 5 years
Location LOCATION:  Online only


Brain Regulation of Emotions and Thoughts – 10-15 Year Olds

Does your 10-15 year old child have a parent or sibling with bipolar disorder? If so, 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:   10 - 15

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


Infant Development Study - Infant with Sibling Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Are you the parent of a child between 0-3 months old? Does your child have an older sibling diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder? You and your child may be able to participate in an online research study designed to learn more about how children develop. Participation involves 8 online video chats.

Age Range
AGE:   0 - 1

Duration DURATION:  5 minutes each
VISITS:  8 video chats
Location LOCATION:  Online only


Internet-Based Study of Infant Development

Are you the parent of a child between 0-3 months old? You and your child may be able to participate in an online research study designed to learn more about how children develop. Participation involves 8 online video chats.

Age Range
AGE:   0 - 1

Duration DURATION:  5 minutes each
VISITS:  8 video chats
Location LOCATION:  Online only


SOVA Study for Adolescents

Do you have a child age 14-17 who is currently experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, or has in the past? If so, your child may be able to help researchers build an online peer support community for depressed and anxious teens. This research study is done entirely online.

Age Range
AGE:   14 - 17

Duration DURATION:  Up to participant
Location LOCATION:  Online