Welcome to CSSI

If you are interested in your skin, want to get into clinical research or use medical devices on your body, we want to hear from you. The Central Skin Sciences Institute (CSSI) conducts important clinical research into skin health to help improve products that come into contact with your skin. For us to find answers to things that are unknown, fill gaps in knowledge and improve future healthcare, we need patients and healthy volunteers to participate in our studies.

We are looking for healthy volunteers, with a stoma or who wear a medical device on their body. Whether you’re interested in scientific research, want to understand more about the skin, or simply want to earn some extra money, we welcome you to take part in a study at our purpose-built facility in Birmingham. You will have complete support in comfortable surroundings. Find out more and make a difference to skin health.

Want to get involved?

We are currently recruiting:

Skin Tone Research Study

We are looking for healthy Women and Men 18-80 years old with a variety of skin tones.

So if you would like to register your interest please click on the button.

Register my interest

Your questions answered

What is a clinical study?

Clinical research is the study of health and illness in people. By conducting this type of research, scientists can develop a deeper understanding of various diseases. Typically, clinical research is about finding new methods of detection, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Ultimately, the goal is to increase medical knowledge and improve patient care. You can help us achieve this by taking part in one of our clinical studies.

There are two main types of clinical studies. Intervention studies involve one or more people using a potential new drug, medical device, activity or procedure and are commonly known as a clinical trial (drug) or clinical investigation (devices). Observational studies don’t test potential new treatments but observe participants on their current treatment plan and track health outcomes.

Will I get paid?

You will be reimbursed for any reasonable travel expenses to the CSSI, and we will compensate you for your time attending the CSSI during the study. Details of payments for the study are calculated based on the level of required commitment and time.

Why join a clinical trial?

There is no simple answer to this question: the decision to take part is personal and yours to make. You may be looking for a study because you are interested in the skin, or want to get involved with the development of new adhesives for medical devices or just keen to participate in research.

Whatever the reasons, you need to understand what the study involves and any potential risks and benefits before you decide to take part. The clinical research team at Central Skin Sciences Institute are here to provide you with information and answer any of your questions regarding the study. You can ask as many questions as you need to help you decide.

You can always talk with your doctor or nurse, family and friends, if you need further help to decide whether to take part.

How do I take part?

It is your decision to take part in one of our studies and the clinical research team are here to provide you with information and answer any of your questions. Each study may have a set of criteria you need to meet to be able to participate. This will include a list of questions that you will need to answer Yes or No. These may include:

  • Gender
  • Skin type
  • Age range
  • A specific medical condition i.e. stoma

For general enquires or if you want to receive information about CSSI studies please contact our Clinical Research Coordinator on 0121 333 1592. Alternatively, please fill in the enquiry form.

What if I want to leave a trial?

You can stop taking part in a clinical study whenever you like. Simply let the research team know why you have chosen to leave, and we will arrange for you to be removed from the trial.

Can I see the results?

Different studies may take weeks, months and sometime years, in the case of large studies, to be completed. When all the data has been reviewed and analysed, we may decide to publish the results in medical/nursing journals or use the results for additional studies.

All studies that have gone to ethics will be placed on the https://www.clinicaltrials.gov website and, with some studies, you will be able to see the summary of results.

Participant review:

“I was welcomed and the whole team was friendly and professional.”

Mrs J

Participant review:

“I found the whole experience extremely professional and well organised.”

Mr K

Participant review:

“The Staff were very pleasant and helpful.”

Miss L

Want to get involved?

Join the CSSI database today

If there’s nothing for you at the moment then why not sign up to our database and we’ll keep you up-to-date with our future studies.

Sign up now

How to find us

CSSI is situated within the Salts Healthcare Building at Ringway Business Park, Richard Street, Aston, Birmingham B7 4AA.

By car:

CSSI is centrally located, being just outside Birmingham City Centre, just off the A38M and very close to the M6 and wider motorway network.

By bus:

The number 66 bus runs between Birmingham City Centre and Sutton Coldfield, and stops on Great Lister Street which is a short walk to CSSI.

By train:

CSSI is close to Birmingham City Centre with its 3 mainline train stations: Birmingham New Street, Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham Moor Street. We are also close to Duddeston station for local trains.