Join a Research Study

Volunteer for clinical trials and help uncover answers to common challenges of aging.

Clinical Trial Opportunities in Boston and in Your Home

At the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, our discoveries depend on the partnership of volunteers who are willing to participate in clinical research studies.

In order for research to go from hypothesis to reality, results must be proven in a real-world setting among the people who will most benefit from a new treatment. Clinical trial participants are critical to research that is uncovering new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. At the Marcus Institute, we focus on research that improves quality of life for people as they age and addresses some of the most common challenges of aging.

Why Participate in a Clinical Trial

There are a number of reasons why you might want to participate in a clinical trial. 

  • By volunteering, you’ll know that you’ve played a role in advancing science and improving life for future generations. 
     
  • Your participation could help others who are suffering from a disease or illness, or could prevent others from experiencing negative health impacts in the first place. 
     
  • Participating in a clinical trial may give you access to new, cutting-edge treatments. 
     
  • You may provide researchers information that, when anonymously combined with the data of other participants, could provide new insights into the keys to healthy aging.

We Put Your Safety First

Every clinical trial conducted at the Marcus Institute is overseen by our Institutional Review Board, which is an independent group that reviews and monitors research involving human subjects. They work with our principal investigators to ensure the rights and welfare of research participants are protected. The Institutional Review Board must approve all research protocols to ensure they are safe.

Anyone interested in participating in a clinical trial at the Marcus Institute will be provided with easy-to-understand information about the goals of the study and any possible risks and benefits. If you agree to participate and are accepted in the clinical trial, you may opt out at any time.

Who Can Participate in Clinical Trials?

Each clinical research study at the Marcus Institute has specific requirements for participants. Some are based on age and/or health conditions. For some studies, you must be able to travel to the Marcus Institute’s research lab in Boston, while others are entirely home-based. Some studies require the enrollment of both the participant and a caregiver.
 

Will I Be Compensated for Participating in a Clinical Trial?

In many cases, research participants will be compensated for their time. The amount typically depends on how much time is required to participate in the study. You may also be eligible for free parking and/or transportation if necessary. 

Studies in Recruitment

See a list of research studies that are currently seeking participants.

Berries and Steps Study

The goal of this study is to learn about the relationship between antioxidants (commonly found in blueberries) and motivation to exercise. Researchers think that supplementing one's diet with antioxidants on a daily basis may be a practical way to reduce inflammation and improve lack of motivation to exercise.

Berries and Steps Study Faculty

Blueberries and Dates (BnD) Study

The goal is to learn more about the effects of daily consumption of blueberries and dates on health outcomes in older adults like blood pressure, brain function, and physical function.

Blueberries and Dates (BnD) Study Faculty

I-STIM Study

The goal of the study is to determine whether non-invasive brain stimulation improves balance, walking, and memory in older adults.

I-STIM Faculty

STAMINA Study

The goal of the study is to determine whether the senolytic medications Dasatinib and Quercetin can reduce senescent cells, increase mobility (walking speed), and improve memory in older adults.

STAMINA STUDY FACULTY

tACS and Dual-Tasking Study

The goal is to determine whether non-invasive brain stimulation improves balance and walking.

tACS and Dual-Tasking Study Faculty

Research Areas

Learn more about the Marcus Institute’s areas of focus.

A researcher at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research in Boston, MA holds a vial of blood.

Biomarkers and Genetics

As precision medicine enters the mainstream of clinical care, Marcus Institute researchers are working to advance the understanding of disease biomarkers and genetics.

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A researcher at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research in Boston, MA studies MRI images of a human brain.

Brain Health

Through pioneering multidisciplinary research, the Marcus Institute is uncovering new answers to the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, delirium, and other changes to the brain.

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A string of computer code is reflected in the glasses of a researcher at the Marcus Institute for Aging in Boston, MA.

Data Science and Technology

The Marcus Institute includes a biostatistics and data sciences faculty who collaborate with investigators to design and conduct clinical trials and observational studies in aging.

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A scene of a hospital floor at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center in Boston, MA, with a nurse standing and working on a computer in the background and a blood pressure monitor in the foreground.

Health Care Services and Policy

The Marcus Institute seeks to effect change in policies that impact the care of older adults by identifying age-related conditions that have an outsized impact on health care utilization and costs, while developing interventions that mitigate the issues.

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A close-up shot at two hands holding a syringe that is inserted in a vial of medication.

Medication

Marcus Institute researchers are examining the relationship between medicine and adverse health outcomes such as falls, injuries, and treatment side effects among older people.

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A research subject at the Marcus Institute for Aging Research stands on a measuring platform with a computer read-out reflected on the wall behind.

Physical Health and Function

Through the Marcus Institute’s research we are learning how older adults can maintain independence and quality of life.

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“The study has made such a difference in my recovery and you collectively and individually have made that possible…. I hope the study helps many, many people!”

Anonymous

STEP-HI Study Participant