The University of South Australia’s Clinical Trial Facility focuses on achieving excellence in research to improve health outcomes in the community. We offer world-class, modern facilities and bring together researchers, volunteers, and industry to deliver health and clinical research with impact.
Since 2013, a variety of studies have been conducted at the Clinical Trial Facility by UniSA researchers, leading to positive health and wellbeing outcomes for the community. The scientific findings from these trials are often published in international journals, and the outcomes inform policy and lead to further research developments in areas of chronic disease prevention, diet and lifestyle, pain management, addiction, stroke rehabilitation and exercise for health.
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Research with us
Research with us
The UniSA Clinical Trial Facility is a self-contained, flexible, and safe environment to conduct clinical trials for researchers and research students, and to deliver high quality care for study participants.
The UniSA Clinical Trial Facility is comprised of individual consultation rooms and exercise spaces, as well as specialised technical facilities. The facility has an integrated laboratory for processing and storage of samples, secure document storage, access control, and a wide range of equipment for specialised assessment.
Facility spaces
Individual consultation rooms and exercise spaces, as well as specialised technical facilities are available, and can be used to conduct interviews, anthropometric measurements, cognitive testing, blood taking, participant screening, and exercise studies.
If food is required as part of a study, a kitchen area is available to safely prepare food and for trial participants to eat meals in comfort. We also provide fasted participants the opportunity to have a snack after their study requirements are finished.
Dedicated research equipment
Examples of the specialised equipment available within the clinic and attached analytical laboratory are:
- Cardiovascular profiler
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) equipment
- Blood pressure monitors -automated oscillometry
- Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) machine
- Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) scales
- Bluetooth enabled scales
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment
- Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (TDCS)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- ParVo Medics True One 2400 Metabolic Monitor
- Accelerometers
- Treadmill and stationary bike
- Refrigerated centrifuges
- Temperature monitored -20°C and –80°C freezers
- Automated ELISA Instrument (VirClia, Thunderbolt)
- Automated Chemistry Analyser (KoneLab 20XTi)
- Multiplex Analyser (Luminex, Magpix)
Study Specific Procedures
Expertise and the related equipment exists within the clinic and laboratory for a range of procedures, including:
- Arterial compliance
- Body composition
- Cognitive assessment batteries
- Dietary assessment (FoodWorks)
- Heart rate variability
- Resting Metabolic Rate
- Muscle strength
- Physical activity monitoring and testing
- Physical fitness and VO2 Max testing
- Collection, processing, storage and transporting of biological samples
- Blood biomarker analysis
- Validated questionnaires to evaluate physical activity, diet composition and energy balance, mood, quality of life, and cognitive function
Accessibility
The Clinical Trial Facility is accessible to those with limited mobility, has accessible toilets, shower, and kitchen area.
Research support
The Facility is available for use by UniSA staff and students to conduct research.
Clinical investigators not connected to UniSA who are looking to undertake clinical research activities are encouraged to contact us to find out how we might be able to help you conduct your trial. -
Participate in research
Participate in research
New interventions that help people to live healthier lives, have less pain or be free of disability are only possible because of the willingness of people to participate in clinical trials. Both healthy participants and those diagnosed with a disease or medical condition are needed. Participating in research is a rewarding experience, and without volunteers we would not have been able to make the high-impact advancements we have at UniSA in health research.
See our current research studies to get involved
For UniSA research teams to deliver advancements in health research, we rely on you!Over the past decade many South Australians have volunteered to participate in research or ‘trials’ conducted at the Clinical Trial Facility.
Clinical trials vary in duration, who is eligible to volunteer, and financial reimbursement provided. Some trials seek participants with illnesses or medical conditions, while others seek healthy participants.
Scientific findings from our research are often published in international journals and we aim to provide tangible outcomes to use in health policies and to positively impact the health of our community.
The facility
Visiting our facility is much like visiting another health or medical service, with consultation rooms, exercise spaces, a kitchen facility, and other rooms with specialised technical equipment.
Staff and researchers
The facility is operated by friendly and knowledgeable staff who assist the University researchers with administration and technical elements of conducting research.
If you are interested in a particular study use the contact details listed for that study. If you have a question about the facilities please contact the team by phone or by email.
Phone: +61 8 8302 2097
Email: ClinicalTrialFacility@unisa.edu.auExamples of our research
You can read more information about the research conducted by the University of South Australia by reading our Research News.
If you are new to participating in research studies, you may like to read through our FAQs to better understand how participating in research works.
When you are ready, check out our Research Volunteers website.
Latest UniSA Research News
Contact us
The Clinical Trial Facility is located on the ground level of the Bonython Jubilee Building at the University of South Australia’s City East campus.
Access the campus via Gate 4 on Frome Road, enter Bonython Jubilee Building through the door facing Frome Rd. The Clinical Trial Facility is down a small flight of stairs and through the wooden doorway on your right. There is also ramp access to the building, please contact us for access details.
Phone: +61 8 8302 2097
Email: ClinicalTrialFacility@unisa.edu.au
