How long are the studies?
The length of each study can vary from one day to one year or more. You will receive information about each specific study to find out the duration.
What happens in the studies?
The studies usually involve making just a few small changes to what you typically eat.
Who volunteers for our studies?
Men and women ranging in age from 18 to 80 years have participated in our research.
What will happen if anything goes wrong?
If something goes wrong during an investigation day any procedures will be stopped and you will be seen by one of our doctors. Your involvement in the rest of the study may be stopped.
If you have any other problems, illnesses or concerns during the study you should discuss these with the investigator.
Any complaints you have about this study will be fully investigated. For research carried out at MRC Human Nutrition participants would be in the same position as if public liability insurance had been taken out. If you wish to make a complaint you can contact our Head of Operations & Logistics – Ms Polly Page.
Will my taking part in a study be kept confidential?
Any information that is collected about you during the course of the research will be kept strictly confidential. With your permission, your GP will be notified that you are participating in a study.
What will happen to the study results?
We will inform you and with your permission, notify your GP of your study results and any abnormal results. As the samples from the study will not be processed until the end of the study, your results will not be available immediately and in some cases this may be several months for a number of months. The overall results may be presented at scientific meetings or published in a scientific journal. You will not be identified in any of these presentations or publications. A summary of the study results will be available on MRC HNR website. We will be happy to discuss the results with you when the study is completed, and will let you know where you can obtain a copy of the published results.
Will I be reimbursed for my time?
In recognition of your time commitment, you will be paid an honorarium. In some cases, food will also be provided. Reasonable travel expenses will also be paid.
Who is organising and funding the studies?
The studies are organised by one of the research groups or teams at HNR. The funding of our studies comes from a variety of sources including the Medical Research Council and external sponsors such as the Food Standards Agency and the EU. Staff and students at MRC Human Nutrition Research will be carrying out the studies.
Who has reviewed the studies?
All of our studies have been reviewed by the Scientific Co-ordination Committee of MRC HNR and by a National Research Ethics Committee.
Consent
The MRC operates within legally required national standards and all volunteers will be required to give written consent before participating in a study.
Can you give me nutrition advice?
We are unable to deal with individual clinical queries and can only deal with people taking part in our studies. We would suggest you contact your GP or a dietitian. A dietitian can be contacted via the following routes: via your GP surgery or local hospital. Alternatively, you can write to the British Dietetic Association to receive a list of registered dietitians working in private practice in your area, just send a stamped addressed envelope to the following address:
Private Practice
The British Dietetic Association
5th Floor, Charles House
148/9 Great Charles St
Queensway
Birmingham, B3 3HT
Tel: 0121 200 8080