I’m Dave, I’m now into my 50s and I’ve been doing clinical trials with Quotient for around fifteen years so I feel very welcome and know most of the staff. 

For me, it started when I worked in Nottingham. I got talking to a colleague who told me she helped to fund her University studies by doing paid medical trials. I looked into it and haven’t looked back since.

I’m self-employed so I have the flexibility to do two or three trials a year. The money is the main motivation but it’s good to take a break from the routine of work. 

The longest one I’ve done was three weeks – I read five books whilst I was there. I’ve recommended several colleagues to Quotient, and I’ve been paid referral fees for recommending; there’s no limit to how many people you can refer and Quotient are always looking for new volunteers. 

I’m ‘old school’ so I don’t spend as much time on my laptop as some of the ‘younger guys’ I’ve done trials with. I like to start the day by reading my book, have a snooze in the afternoon and then watch some TV in the evening. If the weather’s good I like to play table-tennis or get together with the other volunteers for Monopoly or Trivial Pursuit – I’m very competitive and hate to lose! 

Mealtimes are always a highlight, offering another welcome moment to relax, socialise, and enjoy freshly prepared food. Evening meals, in particular, are eagerly anticipated, providing a comforting end to the day and a chance for us to unwind together.

I’ve just completed a trial but already I’m thinking about the next one and how I’m going to spend the inconvenience allowance. 

It really is a great feeling to know that I am helping advance the world of medicines and getting paid for my time too! If you’re still not sure – read the rest of the volunteer stories – it’s like a community of likeminded people who are superheroes – without the capes!

I first found out about Quotient Sciences by accidentally clicking on an advert on social media. I was about to close the window that popped up, but had a quick read through first, and the idea of clinical trials intrigued me as my nephew had mentioned only a few days before that he’d considered participating in a trial himself while at university. The idea of actually playing a small part in the release of a new treatment rather than just hearing about it somewhere afterwards really appealed to me, and the generous allowance for taking part made it financially viable too. So, before I knew it, I’d signed up for a trial for a new treatment for malaria. 

I’d never taken part in a trial anywhere previously, so it was a completely new experience for me. It involved one 4-night stay at the unit, with a screening visit beforehand and then nine return visits afterwards of an hour or so each, spread over two months.  I received clear and comprehensive info about the trial prior to the screening, which gave me confidence that I’d made the right decision to sign up. 

The other volunteers on the trial were great, we got along brilliantly and had a real laugh together, took part in a couple of quizzes, played pool, table tennis etc. Plus the food was lovely. I’m convinced some of them didn’t want to leave by the end of it – well I didn’t anyway! That tells you how fantastic the staff were as well – professional but friendly and always happy to help. Everything was explained thoroughly; no corners were cut, and we knew exactly what procedures would happen and when. 

I can’t wait to sign up for another trial when possible, and in the meantime I might invest some of the money in pool and table tennis lessons to make the next one even better.

A well-run, safe and genuinely enjoyable experience, again!

I’ve just completed a 30-night residential trial with Quotient Sciences — my longest to date — and once again, it was a very positive experience. The team, from recruitment through to nursing, doctors, catering and housekeeping, were consistently professional, friendly and supportive. Everything was clearly explained, before attending the trial, on arrival at the medical facility, and prior to discharge, and any questions were answered promptly and thoroughly.

If anyone has concerns about taking part in a clinical trial, I’d say this: you shouldn’t. In fact, Quotient are incredibly thorough — they are more than cautious when it comes to your health, wellbeing and safety, and bear in mind they're well established with decades of history in this field. You really are in excellent hands.

The facilities are clean, modern and well-equipped, making the stay comfortable and easy to settle into. I also made some great connections with other volunteers — as I have on every trial to date — we enjoyed our lunch in Nottingham after leaving, and it means even more lunches, meetups and drinks to look forward to in the future.

What initially seemed like a long commitment ended up passing quickly, and I’d happily do another trial of this length. If you’re considering volunteering, don’t hesitate — you’ll be well looked after, well informed, and more than fairly compensated - now where are my holiday brochures?

Over 15 years ago, I first heard about Quotient Science through a friend. Little did I know then that this introduction would lead to a long and fulfilling journey of volunteering for clinical trials - one that continues to this day.

What’s incredible is that even after all these years, some of the same friendly faces are still there, helping ensure everything runs smoothly. There’s something reassuring about that consistency - a sense of familiarity that makes each visit feel a little more like coming home.

For me, participating in clinical trials goes beyond just the immediate experience. I genuinely enjoy being part of the process that improves medicines for the future. None of us knows what life might bring - whether it’s ourselves, a friend, or a loved one who may one day need a medication I helped test. Knowing that I might play a small part in that journey is both humbling and motivating.

My most recent trial was nearly a year ago. It involved five separate stays, each lasting three nights. While that might sound intense, Quotient Science knows how to make volunteers feel comfortable and engaged. The food is surprisingly good - better than I expected - and the team does a great job of keeping everyone entertained. During my last stay, we had bingo and a general knowledge quiz, both of which were well attended and a lot of fun.

What’s also great is that taking part in a trial comes with some financial perks. I’m currently planning to treat myself - and my family - to a holiday when I finish my next study. I’ve got a big birthday coming up, and I think we all deserve to celebrate it in style.

If you're considering volunteering for a clinical trial, I can honestly say it's been a rewarding and meaningful experience for me. You're not just helping science - you’re helping the future.

To me, clinical trials are a place to not only make friends for life but also to de-stress from the chaos that is life.
To kick back and eat their flaming fish burgers whilst thinking about nothing but when you'll next get your next flaming fish burger. 

Quotient Sciences has been instrumental in helping me realise my plans for future chapters through meeting the right people, having the right conversations and even committing to starting a business with my fellow comrades... all whilst strolling through the local nature and thinking deeply about flaming fish burgers.

In other words, it's hard to find the chance to be  up close with 10 other people for a month with no clear objective. And with this comes some interesting creativity which, for many, normal life doesn't usually allow for.
With lots of time to think and slow down, new hobbies may be adopted, deeper conversations may be had, new neural pathways may be formed, more reflection, more feedback on your ideas.

Quotient has a great community of regular and new volunteers and good activities to keep to you entertained. Walks in the park when the study allows, quizzes, bingo, a lounge area with tv's, games consoles, table tennis, pool and an outside area to gently walk around if you don't want your exercise dropping too low.

Ultimately, it's: being fed, good people, no time spent doing laundry or dishes and no money being wasted.

It’s a real no brainer!

If you like me like fish burgers – click and join an amazing team of volunteers.