Consent to be Contacted for Research

Our Research

You are invited to consider supporting research that aims to find out more about preventing or treating infections.

Most of our research aims to learn about the effect of bacteria and viruses that are linked to respiratory infection, such as pneumonia, COVID, TB, RSV and emerging pathogens. We are also keen to help develop better vaccines and treatment for emerging pathogens that affect lower-middle income countries to prevent future pandemics.

Our research includes healthy volunteers and those with health conditions. The first step to prevent infection is to learn about the body’s immune response to bacteria or viruses when we are well. Some of our research includes vaccines, often these are already given as part of the UK vaccination programme and some are still in development, but not all of our studies include giving a vaccine.

What is the ARC Research Volunteer Database?

If you add your details to this volunteer database, we will send information to you about different studies. You may then choose whether you would like to discuss the study with us and whether to take part. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has developed a secure database, called the Accelerator Research Clinic (ARC) Research Volunteer Database for volunteers who are willing to be contacted about future research projects.

Who will access my information?

The research team at LSTM have been trained in data protection and safe management of this database to give you information about our research studies. We may occasionally send you a newsletter by email to update you on research opportunities and previous studies.

What will happen if I am interested in taking part?

We send you a Participant Information Sheet for each study which explains the reason for the study, what is involved, the possible risks, and any benefits. Then we may invite you to a short presentation so that you may discuss in more detail, usually with a nurse or doctor. We may then ask you for more personal details to see if you are eligible to take part.

What is involved at research visits?

Most studies include a few short visits (usually 15 mins – 1 hour) at the Accelerator Research Clinic (ARC) at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (in the hospital grounds). For some studies, visits may be at a local hospital. All study procedures will be described in the Participant Information Leaflet.

Can I change my mind?

Yes – You can change your mind and have your details removed from our database at any time you choose. You may email us to ask to withdraw you details from the database.

Will my data be secure?

Your data will be held on a secure database accessed only by the research team who have data protection training and comply with UK Data Protection Law

The contact details of the Data Protection Officer dataprotection@lstmed.ac.uk (+44) 0151 702 9323). You have a right to complain also to the ICO.

Just to assure you, your data will not be shared with anyone outside of LSTM.

Please see LSTM Privacy Statement: https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/lstm-privacy-statement

Will I have to tell my GP?

Some studies may require that we inform your GP that you are taking part and may need to check some of your medical history with your GP. We would ask your permission as part of the consent process before you take part to contact your GP or access your medical records.

I’m currently taking medication, can I take part?

Yes – you may still be eligible depending on what type of medication you take – it also depends on the type of research and what the investigator is looking for.

I am fit and healthy can I still take part?

Yes – we often conduct research to learn more about immune response in healthy people.

Will I be reimbursed for taking part?

You will not be reimbursed for being on the database. If you do consent and take part in a research study, then SOME studies include a reimbursement for your time and inconvenience. The Participant Information Leaflet will include information on whether there is a payment and, if so, how much for each visit.

If I sign up today what am I agreeing to?

By agreeing to give us your details today you are saying that you are happy for the research team to contact you to give information about studies you are may be eligible for and other updates in relation to our research. You are not obliged to take part in any research.

How do I join the ARC Research Volunteer Database?

You can sign up via our website.