Public Involvement with NIH

NIH engages in a wide range of outreach efforts, including nationwide events, requests for public input on NIH projects, and special programs designed specifically to involve public representatives in the clinical research enterprise.

Director’s Council of Public Representatives (COPR)

The Director's Council of Public Representatives (COPR) is a federal advisory committee made up of members of the public who provide input to the ongoing work and future development of the NIH.

Public Liaison Opportunities

NIH Institutes and Centers hold public activities and events throughout the country. Subscribe to the monthly bulletin to find out about events in your community, health and health education resources for the public, and newly released NIH publications.

Community Liaison Opportunities

The Office of Community Liaison has a long standing partnership with the Bethesda/Chevy Chase community, and is dedicated to serving the interests and well-being of the NIH neighborhood and its neighbors.

Clinical Studies

Clinical studies are medical research studies in which people participate as volunteers. Clinical research studies (sometimes called trials or protocols) are a means of developing new treatments and medications for diseases and conditions.

• Clinical studies conducted at NIH
• Nationwide clinical trials

Healthy Volunteers

Healthy volunteers provide researchers with important information for comparison with people who have specific illnesses. Every year, nearly 3,500 healthy volunteers participate in studies at NIH. Learn how to become a healthy volunteer at NIH.

Related Links

• NIH Foundation – identifies and develops opportunities for innovative public-private partnerships involving industry, academia, and the philanthropic community
• The Children's Inn at NIH – a private, non-profit, family-centered residence for pediatric outpatients at the NIH and for their families
• Friends of the Clinical Center – a non-profit, charitable organization that provides emergency financial assistance to NIH patients and their families