Research Participant Community

Research helps us answer important questions about how to improve lives right here in Montana and beyond. At Montana State University, research might take the form of a clinical trial, a survey, an experiment, or even a simple conversation. Many folks in our community have questions about what it means to participate in research, and we're here to help make it clear and approachable. 

Montanans have a long history of pitching in to help their communities--and participating in research is one way to do just that. When you take part in a study at MSU, you're helping scientists better understand how to improve health, well-being, education, and daily life across our state. Your involvement could lead to discoveries that benefit your neighbors, your town, and future generations of Montanans.

Some MSU studies have already made strides in areas like improving mental health, boosting sleep quality, preventing sports injuries, and supporting student success in K-12 schools and on college campuses. You may not personally benefit from a study, but your contribution could help someone else down the line.

MSU hosts a wide range of research studies. Some are quick and simple--like answering a few questions in a survey or playing a short game. Others might involve giving a saliva sample, wearing a fitness sensor, or having a conversation with a researcher.

Some studies can be done from the comfort of your home, while others happen on campus or online at a scheduled time. You'll always get clear information about what a study involves before you decide to participate. It's completely up to you, and there's no pressure--your participation is entirely voluntary.

Some research studies offer compensation for your time and effort. The amount varies depending on the study. Whether or not there's payment, your participation always adds value to our understanding of how to improve life in Montana.

We take your privacy seriously. Your data will never be sold or shared without your permission. In many cases, your data is "de-identified," which means it can't be traced back to you. If a study does require personal information, that data is kept secure and only the research team can access it. You won't be named in any public reports or publications unless you give explicit permission.

Different studies have different requirements. Some are open to all Montanans, while others might look for people in certain age groups, or those with specific experiences--like being a parent, student, veteran, or living with a certain health condition. There's something for nearly everyone, and we're always happy to help you find a good fit.

Each study is led by a faculty member, called a "principal investigator," who oversees the project. In many cases, students are also involved, working on research as part of their degree or training. If you have questions about the study, feel free to reach out directly to the contact(s) listed on the consent form prior or during the study.

Often, yes! Researchers at MSU aim to publish findings in scientific journals and sometimes share general results with the public. We're also building a space where we can post updates on studies and their outcomes--especially when researchers request to share their findings with participants and the wider community.

Yes! We've set aside special parking spots for research participants on MSU's campus in Bozeman. If your study takes place on campus and you need parking information, please reach out to:

Brenna Szott

IRB Administrator and Program Manager

(406) 994-4706 or brenna.szott@montana.edu. 

The All of Us Research Program is a national research initiative focused on gathering health information from people across the country to help scientists better understand how individual differences affect health. The program's goal is to engage over one million participants, especially those from underserved and rural communities--like many here in Montana.

Montana State University is a proud partner with the All of Us Research Program, providing a pathway for MSU researchers to use this rich health data in a way that reflects our state's values and needs. This data includes medical, behavioral, genomic, and environmental information, and can support research that's relevant to Montanans--from rural health equity to personalized medicine.

If you're interested in joining this program please register with All of Us. 

MSU Researchers may register to access the All of Us dataset by using their "@montana.edu" email address. Registration confirms MSU affiliation and requires agreement to data use protections and adherence to Federal, state, and local regulations--including MSU IRB oversight.

To Access All of Us Data as an MSU Researcher:

1. Complete all required trainings on Human Subjects Research in CITI.
2. Develop and submit an IRB protocol using MSU's TOPAZ system. Request access here.
3. Once your protocol is approved, register as an Authorized Data User on the All of Us Researcher Workbench.
4. Complete the All of Us Responsible Conduct of Research Training and the Data User Code of Conduct. The full onboarding process is required by All of us.
5. Questions about IRB approval or registration? Contact Brenna Szott, IRB Administrator and Program Manager--(406) 994-4706 or IRB@montana.edu. 

ResearchMatch in a national, secure volunteer registry designed to connect people--including those in Montana's rural and tribal communities--with researchers looking for study participants. Whether you're a researcher at MSU or a community member interested in health and wellness, ResearchMatch provides a simple way to participate in and benefit form research that matters to Montanans.

You can register as a ResearchMatch Volunteer and choose the types of studies you're open to hearing about--including studies based only in Montana. This helps researchers find participants who truly reflect the unique needs of our state.

Benefits for Montanans

• Access to Research Opportunities - Engage in research that may impact your health, your family's, and your community's.
• Informed Participation - You decide which studies to join. Choose projects that reflect your values, health concerns, or curiosity.
• Contribution to Science - Help advance and improve healthcare by sharing your voice and experiences as part of the research process.
• Networking and Resources - Gain access to additional support, resources, and health-related education through connections with MSU and other research partners.

Benefits for MSU Researchers

• Enhanced Recruitment - Reach a broader and more diverse pool of participants--including those in small towns and remote parts of Montana.
• Targeted Outreach - Focus your recruitment efforts on communities that are often underrepresented in research.
• Increased Visibility - Showcase MSU's research on a national platform, opening doors to new funding and collaboration opportunities.
• Facilitated Compliance - ResearchMatch simplifies participant management while supporting compliance with ethical research standards and MSU IRB requirements.

MSU's Institutional Review Board (IRB) now offers a Research Participation and Results Hub to help researchers recruit participants and share study outcomes with the public. This is especially valuable in Montana, where community connections are strong and access to research opportunities can be limited--especially in rural areas.

For Participants: Why Check the Page?

• Find local studies that matter to your community.
• Stay informed--learn about the studies happening at MSU and what they're discovering.
• Choose your involvement--from surveys to interviews, blood draws to online focus groups.
• Be part of the solution. Help Montana-based research improve health, education, environment, agriculture, and more.

For Researchers: Why Use the Page?

• Expand your reach. Post your IRB-approved study to reach interested Montanans who want to participate in meaningful research.
• Recruit faster. Public-facing, searchable listings can speed up enrollment, especially for studies needing rural or underrepresented populations.
• Share impact. Posting results (in plain language) builds trust, transparency, and community engagement.
• Meet grant goals. Many funders now expect community engagement and results dissemination--this helps fulfill those objectives.

To post your study, please complete the questionnaire regarding study listing details.