Joining a health study, step by step
New to research? Here is what actually happens from the moment you find a study to the day you finish, and the answers to the questions women ask us most.
From finding a study to taking part
- Browse studies on the websiteSee every open study, where it runs, how long it takes and who it is for. Browse studies.
- Sign up in the TrialMe app, for freeCreate a profile with some health information. TrialMe uses it to show which studies may match you. You can still browse and apply to any study.
- Apply to a studyAnswer a few extra questions if asked, then click Apply. Only then, and only with your consent, do we share the relevant part of your profile with that study team.
- The study team contacts youA study coordinator explains the study in detail, answers your questions and checks that you are eligible. There is no obligation to continue.
- Informed consentBefore anything happens, you receive written information and sign a consent form. Take your time and ask as many questions as you want.
- Take partVisits, samples, questionnaires or app tasks, depending on the study. Every study page lists what is involved.
- Finish, or stop whenever you wantYou can leave a study at any time without giving a reason, and it does not affect your normal care.
What you should know before taking part
It is voluntary
Saying no, or stopping later, never affects the healthcare you receive.
Studies are reviewed
Research involving people in the UK and Sweden must be approved by an independent ethics committee before it can start.
Consent comes first
No sample, test or treatment happens before you have signed informed consent with the study team.
Ask anything
What is involved, risks, time, travel, results. The study team should answer before you decide.
TrialMe is free
Signing up and applying costs nothing. Some studies offer a thank-you or cover travel; each study page says so.
We are not your doctor
TrialMe connects you with research. We do not give medical advice or diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions
What is TrialMe?
TrialMe is a free platform, based in Sweden, that helps women find and join health research studies. Study teams at hospitals, universities and companies ("sponsors") run the studies; we help you find them and apply.
What is a clinical study?
A clinical study is research involving volunteers that helps improve healthcare, treatments, and our understanding of health conditions. Clinical studies may evaluate new medicines, medical devices, digital health solutions, lifestyle interventions, surgical techniques, or other approaches to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Studies can take place at hospitals, clinics, research centers, or remotely through digital platforms. Every study follows a defined protocol and is conducted under ethical and regulatory oversight to ensure participant safety and data quality.
Why are clinical studies conducted?
Clinical studies are conducted to develop treatments that are as effective and safe as possible. They have led to the development of medicines, various treatment methods, and medical devices, among other things, which we now take for granted.
Among other things, it is investigated how the body processes the medicine, how the medicine is affected by other medications that might be used at the same time, what effects it has, if it works differently in younger and older individuals, and how effective it is compared to previous treatments. For treatments other than medicines, similar questions need to be answered.
Clinical studies are also essential for authorities to approve new medicines or medical devices, and for doctors to adopt new treatment methods. These studies collectively aim to answer the following questions about a treatment:
Does it work? How effective is it? Is it better than existing treatments? How safe is it? What is the best dose to use? What are the potential side effects?
Does it cost anything?
No. Creating an account and applying to studies is free.
Do I need a diagnosis to take part?
Not always. Some studies look for people with a specific condition, others need healthy volunteers. Each study lists who can take part.
Can I see the studies without an account?
Yes, every open study is listed on our Find a study page. You only need an account in the app to apply.
What happens after I click Apply?
The study team gets in touch, usually by email or phone, to explain the study and check eligibility. For some studies you email the study team directly from the app. If you have not heard back after a week, email support@trialme.eu.
Am I committed once I apply?
No. Applying just starts a conversation. You decide whether to take part after you have all the information, and you can stop at any time.
Will I be paid?
It depends on the study. Some offer a voucher or payment, some cover travel, some are unpaid. It is listed under Compensation for each study.
Could I receive a placebo?
In randomised trials, participants may be assigned by chance to different groups, and sometimes one group receives a placebo. The study team explains this before you consent. Many studies, like observational ones, involve no treatment at all.
Will I get my results?
Some studies share individual results, many do not. Exploratory studies such as the Genie fertility study do not give diagnoses or personal results. Ask the study team.
Which countries do you cover?
Currently studies in the United Kingdom and Sweden, plus some remote studies (for example ENDO1000, open in the UK, Ireland and Croatia).
Is my health information safe?
Your health data is stored on servers in the EEA, encrypted, and only shared with a study team when you apply and consent. Read Your data & privacy.