Clinical trials in Australia
How to find and understand clinical trials in Australia.
Published by Clinrol
Clinical research in Australia takes place at hospitals, universities, community health services and dedicated research sites. Studies may involve people living with a particular condition or healthy volunteers. Locations and recruitment status vary, so a listing does not guarantee that a nearby site is currently accepting participants.
Trials may investigate ways to prevent, diagnose, treat or manage health conditions. Some study medicines or devices; others compare existing treatments, procedures or approaches to care. A treatment being studied is not necessarily better than established care, and taking part may not benefit you personally.
Australian clinical trials require ethics review and appropriate site authorisation. Human Research Ethics Committees review the ethical acceptability of research, including participant information and consent. The Therapeutic Goods Administration has a role when trials involve unapproved therapeutic goods. These safeguards do not make participation risk-free.
To explore opportunities, search by condition and the locations you can reasonably travel to. Check each study's summary, location and recruitment status, then ask the research team about site availability, pre-screening and eligibility checks. Eligibility can depend on your diagnosis, treatment history, medicines and other health conditions. The research team confirms whether you meet a study's criteria and whether a place is available.
Before deciding, ask about the visit schedule, tests, possible treatment groups, risks, alternatives and how the study may affect your usual care. Read the participant information and discuss the study with your GP or specialist if you wish. You should have time to ask questions before giving informed consent.
Costs and reimbursements vary between studies. Ask which study-related services are covered and whether travel, parking, accommodation or time away from work could leave you with out-of-pocket expenses. Confirm any effect on your usual care with the research team rather than assuming all costs are covered.
Participation is voluntary. You can decide not to join or withdraw later. If you withdraw, ask the research team about recommended safety follow-up and how information already collected will be handled. You can also prepare questions to ask before joining and discuss them with the research team.
Further reading
These independent resources are provided for further information. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement of Clinrol.
Common questions about clinical trials
Costs and reimbursements vary by study. Ask the research team which study-related treatment, tests and visits are covered, and whether travel, parking or accommodation are reimbursed. Confirm any out-of-pocket expenses and implications for your usual care before deciding.
Every Australian trial must be approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee against national NHMRC guidelines before it starts, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) oversees the use of unapproved medicines in research.
Explore studies by condition and location on Clinrol, read the study information and contact the relevant research team. The team can confirm whether its site is recruiting, explain screening and assess your eligibility. An enquiry does not guarantee a place or commit you to joining.
Yes. Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw. Tell the research team so they can discuss any recommended safety follow-up, ongoing care and how information already collected will be handled.
That depends on the study's visit schedule and eligibility requirements. Some activities may be possible remotely, while others require attendance at a specific site. Ask about travel and appointment arrangements before applying.
Some studies recruit healthy volunteers, while others require a particular diagnosis or treatment history. Every study has its own eligibility criteria, and the research team must confirm whether you can participate.
Discussing a trial with your usual healthcare professional can help you understand how it may affect your current treatment and other health needs. The study team should explain any required changes to medicines or care; do not change treatment on your own.
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The information on this page has been compiled from various sources and is provided for general informational purposes only. It may not be complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. It is not medical, legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional guidance. Consider your individual circumstances and risks, review the relevant official sources, and speak with your doctor or another appropriately qualified professional before making health-related decisions.