Participate in Research
Research is our way forward in terms of improving lung health and the outcomes of those living with lung disease. Research contributes to the development of new ways of preventing, diagnosing, and treating illness. The outcomes of research could help you, your children, or even your grandchildren and by participating in research, you may gain access to treatments that are not yet readily available to the public.
If participating in research is something you might be interested in, read more about the current opportunities on this page!
Current Opportunities
Allergy and Asthma Study
About the Study
Allergies and asthma often occur together. Some of the same substances that trigger allergy symptoms may also trigger asthma symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Saskatchewan Asthma Research Lab are looking for volunteers between the ages of 18 and 65 years of age to participate in a research study investigating a new oral medication for the treatment of allergic asthma.
How to Participate
For more information about this study, and to participate, please email investigator Dr. Beth Davis at beth.davis@usask.ca
Additional information about this study can be found at Asthma Research Lab.
COPD Care in Saskatchewan
About the Study
Close to 1 in 10 Saskatchewan residents over the age of 45 years are living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a number that is expected to climb over the next number of years.
Dr. Elizabeth Cooper and her research team from the University of Regina are looking at COPD care in Saskatchewan to better understand what care and supports are available in the province for those living with, and caring for, someone with COPD.
If you are a family member or friend of someone diagnosed and living with COPD, these researchers want to hear from you!
How to Participate
For more information, and to participate in this study, please call 1 (306) 337-2602 or email reynardc@uregina.ca.
COVID-19 Self-Compassion and Well-Being
About the Study
Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan are looking for volunteers who experienced self-reported brain fog, memory or concentration issues that occurred after an infection with COVID-19 to participate in a study looking at how the practice of self-compassion might help emotional recovery.
How to Participate
Adults in Canada who have access to a smartphone and are under the care of a family doctor are invited to participate. Visit this poster for more information, or contact the research assistant at Kelly.hall@usask.ca, or by calling (306) 966-1075.
Healthy Future Sask
About the Study
Hosted by the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, Healthy Future Sask is a population health research study that aims to answer questions about the causes of cancer and chronic disease by following the health of Saskatchewan residents for up to 50 years.
Healthy Future Sask is looking to engage with more than 7000 Saskatchewan residents between the ages of 30 and 74 to participate in the study. Participants will be asked to complete a health and lifestyle questionnaire, donate a biological sample (for example, blood or saliva), and have physical measurements taken on more than one occasion throughout the study. The information provided by volunteer participants will help researchers find out how lifestyle, genetics, and environment influence the health of future generations to come, helping us understand and potentially change tomorrow’s health together.
How to Participate
To participate in the study take the SURVEY.
For more information about the study email info@healthyfuturesask.ca or call 1-833-701-0089.
Investigation of Immune Status During Long-Term Recovery From COVID-19
About the Study
Long COVID is a debilitating disease that affects several organ and organ systems such as the lungs, brain, and kidneys. However, there is limited understanding of what causes Long COVID and how to treat people who are suffering. In this project we are determining how the immune system is dysregulated during COVID-19 recovery and in Long COVID. The results will be important for determining the causes of Long COVID as well as identifying possible treatments for people suffering from the disease.
Researchers from the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) are recruiting individuals to donate a blood sample for a research study on immune responses in humans to COVID-19. We are looking for people who 1.) have Long COVID; 2.) had COVID-19 and do NOT have Long COVID; and 3.) have not had COVID-19 ever.
This study will require a time commitment of approximately 30 minutes. As a participant in this study, you would be asked questions related to your health and asked to donate a small amount of blood. Appointments are taking place in Saskatoon and Regina. The study's goal is to understand the immune responses in people suffering from Long COVID.
How to Participate
If you are interested in participating or want more information, please contact Ethan Jansen (ethan.jansen@usask.ca, 306-966-2568) or Brittany Thivierge (b.thivierge@usask.ca, 306-966-6929).
Living with Cancer During the COVID-19 Pandemic
About the Study
A research team from the University of Regina (Department of Nursing & Department of Psychology) and Saskatchewan Polytechnic (Department of Nursing) are conducting a qualitative research study to explore the experiences of people living with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team is particularly interested in better understanding how people living with cancer view and engage in protective behaviours (e.g., hand washing, mask wearing, social distancing) as well as the psychological impact of this during the pandemic.
Eligible participants must be above the age of 16 years old, been diagnosed with cancer within the last four years, and are currently residing in Saskatchewan.
Participants can expect a 45-60 minute interview, conducted over the phone or Zoom and will be compensated with a $25 Amazon gift card for their time.
How to Participate:
For more information about the study, and to participate, please contact the study coordinator (Mr. Andrew McLennan) at 587-877-0486 or Aim421@uregina.ca.
Living With Chronic Disease
About the Study
The Aging, Residents, and Caregivers (ARC) Research Unit at the University of Regina are looking to develop a new group for people living with chronic disease in Saskatchewan. This group will focus on providing coping strategies and support that helps people manage their mental health while living with chronic disease.
Prior to developing this group, the ARC Research Unit wants to hear from people in Saskatchewan who are living with chronic disease to get feedback on what to include.
How to Participate
To find out if you are eligible, and to participate in this survey, visit https://bit.ly/arc-chronic-conditions, and for more information about this study, please contact the Aging, Residents, and Caregivers (ARC) Research Unit at arcresearch@uregina.ca
If eligible, and if you choose to participate in the survey, you will have the option of entering a draw for a chance to win 1 of 10 gift cards worth $25.
Long Covid Dyspnea Study
About the Study
Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan are looking for adults across Saskatchewan who have experienced ongoing shortness of breath after having COVID-19. The purpose of the study is to better understand how persistent shortness of breath after COVID-19 is related to lung function, ability to do daily activities, and quality of life.
How to Participate
Participants will be asked to take part in surveys, spirometry (breathing tests), and activity testing now, and again in 6 months. Please contact longcovid.lungs@usask for more information or to participate.
Making Visible the Life Stories of Families of Children Who Are Immunocompromised (IC) During COVID-19
About the Study
Researchers at the University of Manitoba are interested in learning about the experiences families are having during the COVID-19 pandemic if living with a child who is immunocompromised or has an immune system condition.
Participation in the study involves taking part in virtual interviews and activities using photographs and videos. In-person interviews may be arranged upon request.
Honorariums will be provided in appreciation of participation in this study.
How to Participate
To participate in this study, email the research team with your interest at ingauge@umanitoba.ca or call 204-480-1051.
Philips CPAP Recall Research Study
About the Study
In June 2021, Philips Respironics issued a voluntary recall of CPAP and other positive airway pressure (PAP) medical devices over concerns about potential health risks due to the breakdown of polyurethane foam used in many of their devices distributed between 2009–2021.
Researchers from the University of Ottawa and University of Calgary are speaking with patients from across Canada who have been affected by this recall.
How to Participate
Participation involves an approximate 30 minute interview, by phone or video call. Modest reimbursement provided.
If interested, email sleepresearch@ucalgary.ca, or phone 403 220 5838.
Post-COVID Lung Changes
About the Study
Researchers at the Athabasca University are investigating links to long-term lung damage/injury that may have occurred as a result of COVID-19 infection.
How to Participate
If you are interested in participating in this study or want more information, please email Cameron Albright, RN at calbright1@learn.athabascau.ca.
Sask Long COVID
About the Study
There is growing recognition that many people experience a prolonged recovery after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). These persisting, new, or relapsing symptoms have now been referred to as Long COVID.
Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan are looking for volunteers with various experiences with COVID-19 to participate in a Long COVID study.
As a participant in this study, you would be asked to take part in a survey conducted online or through a mobile phone app. You will be asked to provide information on your symptoms of Long COVID and how you are currently managing your symptoms or, if you do not have Long COVID you will be asked about these symptoms anyway as they also may be common. Your participation in the survey would involve one to several online/mobile phone app sessions, each of which is approximately 10-20 minutes.
After completing the survey, you may also choose to take part in one online focus group to help identify the resources that may be helpful in managing your symptoms. These discussions will last about 60-90 minutes.
How to Participate
For more information and to participate in this study, visit Sask Long COVID or call 306-966-3338.