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Clinical Trial and Research Unit

What is the CTRU?

The Clinical Trial and Research Unit (CTRU) supports UOW investigator initiated studies. We support a range of research including:

  • Blood and other biospecimen sampling from human donors for use in animal or in vitro models, or other ex vivo studies.

  • Observational, cross-sectional or cohort studies where clinical data and/or biospecimens are collected from participants who have not been assigned to a specific intervention or treatment.

  • Clinical trials involving an interventional study where participants are assigned to a treatment, intervention, or test to determine the effect on health or behavioural outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a clinical trial as:
    ‘Any research study that prospectively assigns human participants or groups of humans to one or more health-related interventions to evaluate the effects on health outcomes.’
Medical consultation room with a bed and a desk with two chair. Colourful patterns appear on the wall.
Room with various seating and benches.
Exercise bikes, treadmills and other excise equipment placed in area with windows and a grey floor.
  • Clinical examination rooms
    • Automated blood pressure monitors, scales, stadiometers, measuring tapes
  • Commercial Kitchen
    • Fridge, freezer and pantry storage, food preparation
  • Movement Laboratory
    • Treadmill, exercise bikes and weights
  • Blood Collection Clinic

  • Blood Processing Laboratory
    • Biosafety Cabinet
    • Benchtop temperature-controlled centrifuge
    • Freezer and refrigerator
  • Ultra-low temperature sample storage

  • Limited participant parking (subject to availability)

  • DEXA body composition and bone density scans

The CTRU supports blood collection activities for Investigator Initiated trials including phlebotomy services and procuring blood collection consumables.

The CTRU facilitates the booking of clinical spaces and equipment.

The INHABIT Study:
Exploring the role of anthocyanins and probiotics on quality-of-life, inflammation and the gut microbiome in Ulcerative Colitis

Researchers from the University of Wollongong are recruiting adults with Ulcerative Colitis for an exciting study to find out how probiotics and anthocyanins from blackcurrants can benefit disease management.  

Treatment: 

In this study, participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups for 12 weeks. 

Each group will need to take 2 products daily, either the active or the placebo of a powdered probiotic and a powdered blackcurrant extract.

75% of participants in this study will be receiving at least one active product that might benefit their gut health and inflammation.  

What else is involved: 

Participants will need to provide stool samples in the mail, complete online surveys, and attend an online Zoom meeting at start and the end of the study.

If you are interested, please complete the screening questionnaire linked below. Alternatively, contact Denelle Cosier at smah-clinicaltrials@uow.edu.au or 0413 859 437.  

Screening survey

Contact the Clinical Trial and Research Unit

smah-clinicaltrials@uow.edu.au