Clinical Research Studies at SickKids
Ways to participate in research
There are many ways you can support clinical research at SickKids in addition to being a study participant. Join our Research Family Advisory Committee and help make a difference.
Get InvolvedFrequently asked questions
This list provides an overview of frequently asked questions about clinical research at SickKids, but exact answers may vary by study. Before participating in any clinical research study, the study team will review all relevant information with you and ensure you are fully informed before joining the study.
Research4Kids is a database of clinical research studies at SickKids. The database contains information on active clinical research studies that are seeking participants. Visit our SickKids corporate website to learn more about Hospital Clinical Departments or the SickKids Research Institute.
Clinical research explores ways to improve child health and prevent illness for people in Canada, and around the world.
There are three main types of clinical research: observational studies look at how exposures impact people's health, interventional clinical trials evaluate how safe or effective a potential treatment or health intervention might be, and population health research examines the role of social determinants (like wealth or education), health systems and policies on people's health.
Clinical research is essential for improving our understanding of health conditions and developing treatments and technologies to enhance patient care. By participating in a research study, you contribute to the discovery of better treatment options and new approaches to advancing care for children and adolescents. While the benefits of participation vary by study, your participation plays a crucial role in improving child health.
Absolutely! Many of our studies are looking for participants without any health conditions – in research, this is sometimes called the 'control group'. Your participation can help us better understand why another child might be ill and develop new ways of caring for them.
If you are looking for a study on a particular condition, type it in to the search bar. Otherwise, you can select 'view all studies' to browse our current openings and find one that's the right fit for you.
Just like every child, each study is different! Some studies may ask that you fill out one (or multiple) surveys, some may ask that you provide samples of blood or other specimens, and others may require you to take an investigational drug or other treatment. Check out individual study listings for more information or ask your study coordinator.