Before you take part

Considering joining a research study? Here’s what you need to know before giving consent — from understanding your rights to asking the right questions so you’re clear on possible benefits and risks.

Making an informed decision

Taking part in a research study is a personal choice. Before you agree, it’s important that you understand what’s involved, what your rights are, and who to contact for support.

Researchers are required to provide you with written information that clearly explains:

The purpose of the study and what it hopes to discover
What participation involves, including time commitments and study activities
Possible risks, side effects, or discomforts
Potential benefits, if any
What will happen to your information and samples
Who you can contact for questions or concerns

This information is usually provided in a Participant Information and Consent Form (PICF) given to you by your research team.

You should never feel pressured to sign or agree on the spot. Take your time to read everything carefully and discuss it with people you trust.

Questions to ask yourself

Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s worth taking a moment to think through the following before giving consent:

Do I understand what the study involves and how long it will run?
Will participation affect my regular treatment or medication?
How will this fit into my life and routine?
Am I comfortable with the possible risks involved?

If you’re unsure about any of this, you have the right to ask for more information before deciding.

Questions to ask your research team

Asking questions helps you make an informed decision and check that the study is the right fit for you. You might like to ask the following:

What is the purpose of this study?
What will I be asked to do?
What are the possible risks or side effects?
Are there any costs or payments involved?
Who will have access to my personal information?
How will my privacy and personal information be protected?
What happens if I choose to withdraw later?
Will I be informed of the study results?
Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?

These are a starting point — ask as many as you need to feel comfortable. See our Questions to Ask downloadable document below for a printable checklist to help guide discussions with your research team.

Your rights and protections

You have the right to:

Receive clear, complete information before you consent
Make your decision freely and without pressure
Withdraw from the study at any time
Have your privacy protected
Be treated with dignity and respect at all times

These rights are protected because every study is independently reviewed by a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) before it can begin, with participant protection as the top priority.

Your safety and privacy

Every Bellberry-approved research study must include clear steps to keep participants’ information safe and confidential. Researchers must:

Store data securely, with access limited to authorised staff
Remove identifying details wherever possible (known as de-identification)
Ensure any published results do not identify individuals
Handle all records in line with privacy laws and ethical standards

Helpful downloadable resources

The following Bellberry documents provide more detailed information about participating in research and can help guide your decision:

General Information on Trials (PDF)

Overview of how research and clinical trials are conducted, including trial phases and participant safeguards.

Information to Consider Before Entering a Trial (PDF)

Outlines what you should be told and understand before agreeing to participate.

Questions to Ask (PDF)

A practical checklist to help guide discussions with your research team.

Definitions (PDF)

Plain-language explanations of common research and clinical trial terms.

Who to contact if you have questions or concerns

Questions about your care? Contact your study doctor or site coordinator directly — they’re best placed to help with appointments, medication or side effects.

Concerns about how a study is run? Contact Bellberry through our Complaints page if you have concerns about the way a study has been approved or managed from an ethical perspective.

Useful links

Understanding Research

Learn what research is, how it’s reviewed, and Bellberry’s role in ensuring ethical and responsible studies.

Learn More

Complaints

If you have concerns about a study or the way it has been managed, learn how to raise a complaint with Bellberry.