Join Our Research Study Community
Our vision is to use scientific discovery to ensure optimal health through individualized nutrition. To do this, we need your help! Many of our research studies rely on volunteers to help us learn how nutrition science works in differing people.
Make a difference
Help us learn how nutrition science works in differing people.
Participation is Free
Most studies include compensation for your time.
Expert Clinical Care
Expert care by researchers and clinicians.
Participant Opportunities
Read through the opportunities below to learn more.
All Of Us (AoU)
Researchers need health information from large numbers of people who have different backgrounds and come from different parts of the country.
• 18+ years of age
• Children can also participate at some locations
Kannapolis, NC & surrounding areasChapel Hill, NC & surrounding areas
AoU: Nutrition for Precision Health Study
NPH is a partner of the All of Us Research Program. NPH studies how individual people respond to different foods.
• 18+ years of age
• Speak English or Spanish
• Must be enrolled in the All of Us Research Program.
Kannapolis, NC
AYA WELL Cancer Survivor Study
Provides adolescent and young adult cancer survivors with tools and strategies to manage their weight and improve diet quality and physical fitness.
• 18-39 years of age
All measures can be completed virtually/remotely
BRAINS Avocado Study
The purpose of this study is to show how nutrition helps babies grow and learn.
• 18 to 35 year old women who are pregnant and plan to breastfeed
OR
• Currently breastfeeding babies younger than 3 months of age
Kannapolis, NC
EAT MOVE THINK Study
Researching whether consuming blueberries and exercising can support brain health as we age.
• Ages 65–85
• Experiencing memory issues
• Physically inactive (less than 150 min/week of moderate exercise in the last 4 weeks)
Kannapolis, NC
Flavonoids Foods on Carbonyl Stress
This study looks at how your body processes different amounts of flavonoids (nutrients found in certain foods) over time.
• Age between 40 and 70 years
• BMI between 18 and 30 kg/m²
• Not taking medications, supplements, or antibiotics
• No allergy to milk, soy milk, green tea, blueberries, apples, or pineapples
• Non-smoking
Kanapolis, NC
Nutritional Impact on Gut Microbiota and Human Health
Studying how gut bacteria break down food and how nutrition supports overall health.
• Age between 18 and 65 years
• BMI between 18–25 or 30–40
• Not currently breastfeeding
• Not taking medications or antibiotics
Kanapolis, NC
Infant Nutrition and Cognition Study
A 3-month diet intervention to show how nutrition helps babies grow and learn.
• 18 to 35 year old women who are pregnant and plan to breastfeed
OR
• Currently breastfeeding babies younger than 3 months of age
Kannapolis, NC
Whole Grain Study
To identify biomarkers of whole-grain corn consumption and study their potential impact on human health.
• Be between 25 -70 years of age
• Have a BMI of 18-30
• Able to read, speak, and understand English
• Blood and urine clinical test results within the normal range
• Willingness to restrict one’s diet during the study
Kannapolis, NC
What To Expect
• Participation is always voluntary. You can choose to drop out at any point.
• You may be asked to eat or drink certain nutrients or provide biological samples such as blood or urine. We may record your physical measurements or have you take some cognitive tests.
• You are typically paid for your time based on the activities and time commitment required.
Join the Participant Pool
Be the first to know! The pool is a secure, confidential database for people interested in being notified of future studies with us on the NC Research Campus here in Kannapolis! The pool allows us to share information with you about research studies you may be eligible to join, but does not commit you to participating in any way.
How NRI Advances Nutrition and Health
• Driving Discovery
Clinical studies are essential to advancing scientific knowledge—helping us uncover how nutrition influences health and disease, and paving the way for innovative, evidence-based solutions that benefit people everywhere.
• Empower Your Health Through Research
As a participant at NRI, you can take part in cutting-edge nutrition research that may offer insight into your own health—while contributing to discoveries that benefit others.
• Advancing Science with Global Reach
When you participate in research at NRI, you become a vital part of discovering how nutrition can improve health for people everywhere.