Introduction to Human Subjects Research at BIDMC
 

Cutting-edge clinical and biomedical research is supported by grants from private foundations and government agencies.  Among independent teaching hospitals, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center consistently ranks among the top four recipients of biomedical research funding from the National Institutes of Health. Research funding totals nearly $150 million annually. BIDMC researchers run more than 1,000 active sponsored human subject's research projects and clinical trials. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center shares important clinical and research programs with institutions such as the Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, the Joslin Diabetes Center and Children's Hospital Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement Program.

What is Research?

When most people are asked about research, they think of scientific or medical research - and with good reason. Right now, there are more than 40,000 medical research studies underway. Those that are successful will result in new medications or devices that could dramatically improve the way we treat certain diseases or conditions.

But research takes other forms, too. Some studies use questionnaires, interviews, or other types of surveys to gather information about habits, opinions, and beliefs. Other studies observe the way people interact with one another or react to certain situations, providing new insights into human behavior.

What do all forms of research have in common? All seek knowledge for the public good. Many would not be possible without human participants.

BIDMC Contact Information