Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute is one of Australia’s leading medical research bodies with studies that extend from the laboratory to wide-scale community investigations. Our high quality research trials further establishes us as the premier ‘bench-to-bedside’ diabetes and cardiovascular centre in the southern hemisphere.
New research initiatives currently planned for Baker IDI will change the face of diabetes and heart disease research and management. These new projects will allow our dedicated staff to push back the boundaries of knowledge in their fields, and provide support to research at every level.
Our groundbreaking research would not be possible without volunteer participants. Learn more about how you can make a difference and improve the health of Australians by becoming a clinical research volunteer.
All enquires are treated with the strictest confidence.
The vital role of medical research in health care
Clinical trials continue to play an essential role in health care research. Every modern medical treatment that we have the benefit of today is a direct result of clinical research. Chemotherapy treatments, the development of HIV antiretroviral drugs, and the practical use of heart defibrillators, would not be possible if not for the rigours of clinical research.
Baker IDI offers a range of trials from the wide spectrum of health care research. Trials may involve new drugs, devices or lifestyle strategies to help manage pre-existing medical conditions, while others may look at preventative measures to reduce the risk of disease.
Clinical research involves volunteers from all walks of life. Before commencing a trial, participants must qualify to ensure that they meet the criteria for participation. These criteria may be based on several actors, such as age, gender, medical history, or current treatment regimes. Participation is voluntary and individuals can withdraw at any time.
The personal information of every volunteer remains confidential and will only be used for the purposes of approved research projects.
All research projects must be approved by a Human Research Ethics Committee which operates under the national guidelines on ethical conduct in human research (www.nhmrc.gov.au).
Contributing to medical advancements
Participating in clinical research has proven to be a rewarding experience for many. Involvement varies from a simple blood donation and questionnaires, through routine cardiovascular tests like an ECG, to more involved procedures.
Why do people choose to volunteer for clinical trials?
- To play an active role in their own health care
- To gain access to new research treatments before they are widely available
- To obtain expert medical care during the trial
- Help others by contributing to medical research
When individuals engage in clinical trials they play a vital role in helping researchers improve diagnosis and treatment, discover therapies, and ultimately find cures today and for future generations.