ResearchMatch for Researchers
Connecting Researchers with Potential Study Participants
Finding the right participants is an essential part of successful research. ResearchMatch helps University of Memphis researchers connect with individuals who are interested in contributing to scientific discoveries and advancing health-related research.
ResearchMatch is a free, secure, national volunteer registry supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It provides eligible researchers with tools to explore participant availability, identify potential volunteers, and support recruitment efforts for approved research studies.
Whether you're planning a new study or actively recruiting participants, ResearchMatch can help you reach individuals who may be a good fit for your research.
How ResearchMatch Works
ResearchMatch provides a straightforward process for connecting researchers with potential study participants.
Register as a Researcher
Create a free ResearchMatch account using your University of Memphis email address to verify your institutional affiliation.
Register Your Study
Add your study to ResearchMatch and select your access level. Recruitment access requires IRB approval and approved recruitment materials.
Find Potential Participants
Search de-identified volunteer profiles using study-specific criteria to identify individuals who may be eligible to participate in your research.
Connect with Volunteers
Send IRB-approved recruitment invitations to potential volunteers. Interested individuals can share their contact information for follow-up.
Why Use ResearchMatch?
Recruiting participants can be one of the most challenging aspects of conducting research. ResearchMatch simplifies this process by connecting research teams with a nationwide network of individuals who have expressed interest in learning about research opportunities.
With ResearchMatch, researchers can:
- Expand Recruitment Opportunities: Connect with potential participants beyond traditional recruitment channels.
- Identify Potential Matches: Search volunteer profiles using demographic, geographic, and health-related criteria relevant to your study.
- Assess Study Feasibility: Explore aggregate volunteer data to evaluate potential participant availability before recruitment begins.
- Streamline Outreach: Send IRB-approved recruitment messages to potential volunteers through a secure platform.
- Respect Volunteer Privacy: Connect directly with individuals only after they express interest and agree to share their contact information.
ResearchMatch Access Options
ResearchMatch offers two levels of access to support researchers at different stages of the research process.
Feasibility Access
Explore participant availability before recruitment begins.
Feasibility access allows eligible researchers to review aggregate information about the ResearchMatch volunteer population and determine whether potential participants may be available for a proposed study.
This access does not require an IRB-approved study and does not permit direct recruitment of volunteers.
Feasibility access can help researchers:
- Explore the availability of volunteers who meet general study criteria.
- Assess the potential recruitment pool for a proposed project.
- Support study planning and recruitment strategy development.
Recruitment Access
Connect with volunteers for an approved research study.
Recruitment access allows authorized researchers to identify and contact potential volunteers through ResearchMatch.
Researchers must have the appropriate IRB approval and recruitment materials before receiving this level of access.
Recruitment access allows researchers to:
- Search de-identified volunteer profiles using study-specific criteria.
- Identify groups of potential participants who may match study requirements.
- Send IRB-approved recruitment messages through ResearchMatch.
- Receive contact information from volunteers who express interest in learning more.
Guidelines & IRB Requirements
ResearchMatch is designed to support responsible participant recruitment while protecting volunteer privacy and supporting institutional research oversight.
Before using ResearchMatch for recruitment, researchers should ensure their study and recruitment materials meet the necessary approval requirements.
IRB Approval
Researchers seeking recruitment access must have an IRB-approved study and approval to use ResearchMatch as a recruitment method.
The University of Memphis manages human subjects research protocol review through Cayuse IRB. Researchers should follow university procedures when submitting protocols and recruitment materials for review.
Recruitment Message Requirements
ResearchMatch uses approved contact messages to introduce potential volunteers to research opportunities.
Recruitment messages must:
- Be approved by the IRB for use through ResearchMatch.
- Be fewer than 2,000 characters.
- Clearly communicate the purpose of the study and general participation requirements.
- Exclude direct study team contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses.
- Exclude external survey links and embedded surveys.
Researchers should ensure their messages are clear, accessible, and appropriate for their intended volunteer audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
For additional guidance on registration, recruitment access, and using the platform, visit the ResearchMatch researcher resources.
Yes. ResearchMatch is available at no cost to researchers affiliated with participating institutions.
No. Researchers can register for an account and request feasibility access without an IRB-approved study. IRB approval is required to recruit volunteers for a specific study.
Looking to Participate in Research as a Volunteer?
ResearchMatch also provides opportunities for individuals interested in volunteering for research studies. Learn how to register, explore potential research opportunities, and contribute to discoveries that could improve lives and communities.
