Collaborators: Richard Gonzalez (PI), Kira Birditt (Co-I), Jacqui Smith (Co-I), Fred Conrad (Co-I), Jess Francis-Levin (Co-I)
Challenge:
Sustained participation in human subjects research is essential for scientific progress, yet major studies
across disciplines have seen declines in engagement over recent decades. UMHealthResearch plays a
vital role in addressing this challenge, serving as both a volunteer registry and a matchmaking platform
that connects more than 94,000 registered volunteers with researchers. To fully realize its potential, the
portal must continue evolving to meet the changing needs of both volunteers and research teams. With
thoughtful investment and innovation, UMHealthResearch can strengthen engagement at scale and serve
as a model for advancing participant-centered research infrastructures.
Proposed Solution
We propose to establish a systematic framework for monitoring and enhancing researcher and volunteer
experiences and engagement in UMHealthResearch:
1. Monitoring and Feedback: Ongoing surveys and behavioral analyses will provide real-time
insight into the motivations, barriers, and experiences of research volunteers and researchers.
2. Community Engagement: Structured engagement with a Community Advisory Board and
stakeholder interviews/focus groups with both volunteers and research teams guide future
development of the platform.
3. Evidence-Based Interventions: A|B testing of UMHealthResearch interventions will allow
rigorous evaluation of strategies designed to increase volunteer and researcher engagement with
the system.
Together, these strategies will generate actionable knowledge, support continuous improvement, and
position UMHealthResearch as a model for advancing participant-centered research infrastructures.