Research Participation at UHD

Research participants are an integral piece of all successful human subjects research. Your participation is voluntary, and you may choose not to participate or to discontinue participation at any time.

The University of Houston-Downtown recognizes the importance of your decision whether to participate in any given research study. Your decision whether to participate will not affect your current or future relations with UHD. For UHD students, your decision whether to participate in a research study will not impact your standing with an instructor, your department, college, or the University. 

Students, staff and faculty across campus, and members of the surrounding Houston-metro community may be asked to participate in faculty and student research at UHD. Frequently, participation involves filling out a survey, responding to service or opinion questionnaires, or being interviewed. Research with participants may be conducted in person, by phone, email or regular mail. 

Some research involves kinesthetic, physiological, or psychological experiments. The level of risk involved in a study depends upon its design, methodology, subject matter, and intervention or interaction with human subjects. It is important to consider the level of risk and compare it to any benefits when deciding whether to participate in human subjects research.

The faculty or student (under faculty supervision) researcher conducting the study must provide you with answers to specific questions about their study. You may contact the researcher with questions at any time before, during or after the study.

If you would like to obtain information about a research study, or if you have questions, concerns, complaints or wish to discuss problems or your rights as a research subject with someone unaffiliated with the study, contact the UHD Office of Research and Sponsored Programs by phone at 713-221-8499 or email at [email protected]. You can also contact Ms. Brandi Smith-Irving, Director of Research and Sponsored Programs at [email protected] or 713-221-8681 and Dr. Jerry Johnson, Associate Vice-President, Faculty, Research & Sponsored Programs at [email protected] or 713-221-2720. 

Anonymity, if desired, will be protected to fullest the extent possible.