Rights of a Research Participant

As a research participant at the University of Virginia, you have the right:

To be told that you are being asked to participate in research.
To be told the purpose of the research.
To be told what will happen during the study, what you are being asked to do, and how long it will last.
To understand what part of the research is experimental.
To be told about all of the possible risks, side effects and discomforts that you might expect if you decide to participate.
To know about other options available if you decide not to participate.
To understand how your personal information will be kept private.
To withdraw from the study or refuse to participate at any time without penalty or loss of benefits (for example, leaving the study will not affect your medical care, student status, work status, etc).
To an informed consent discussion. This means the researcher should explain the whole study to you, and then without any pressure, allow you time to make the right choice for yourself.
To receive a copy of your consent form, and information about who to contact if you should have any questions.

If you have questions, concerns, suggestions about research, a research-related injury, or questions about your rights as a research participant, you may call the Office of Vice President for Research at (434) 924-6853. Please call this number if you cannot contact the research staff or if you wish to talk to someone other than the researchers. You may leave an anonymous message or you may leave your name and phone number if you would like a response.