Advancing Health Research: University of Memphis Joins National ResearchMatch Network
New partnership expands access to research volunteers, strengthens participant recruitment, and creates new opportunities for impactful health research.
The University of Memphis has expanded its commitment to advancing health research by joining ResearchMatch, a national online volunteer registry and recruitment platform housed at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The partnership provides University researchers with access to a nationwide network of volunteers while making it easier for individuals to participate in meaningful health research.
ResearchMatch connects researchers conducting Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved studies with volunteers interested in contributing to scientific discovery. With more than 122,000 registered volunteers, the platform enables University of Memphis investigators to identify potential participants based on factors such as health conditions, medications, demographics, and geographic location. Once a study is posted, eligible volunteers are notified and may choose whether to participate, creating a streamlined, ethical, and participant-centered recruitment process.
Beyond participant recruitment, ResearchMatch also supports researchers during the planning stages of a study. Faculty can access aggregate registry data to estimate how many volunteers meet proposed study criteria before IRB approval, helping researchers design more effective studies and better anticipate recruitment needs.
By joining ResearchMatch, the University of Memphis enhances its ability to recruit diverse participant populations, including individuals with specific health characteristics or those who may otherwise be difficult to reach. Expanding access to qualified volunteers strengthens the quality, rigor, and impact of research while helping investigators accelerate study enrollment and compete more effectively for external funding.
The partnership also creates new opportunities for community members to engage directly in research that may influence future treatments, disease prevention strategies, and public health initiatives. Participation is free for both researchers and volunteers, making it easier for individuals to contribute to scientific advancements that benefit communities locally and beyond.
To support adoption of the platform, the Division of Research and Innovation will offer virtual ResearchMatch training sessions during the Fall 2026 semester. Faculty interested in becoming ResearchMatch liaisons within their college or school, or those seeking additional information, are encouraged to contact institutional liaisons Alison Brown (mbrown37@memphis.edu) or Brian Evans (bevans8@memphis.edu). Researchers and volunteers can also learn more or register by visiting the ResearchMatch website.