I first noticed Quotient Sciences when I was passing the time away on a sunny Sunday afternoon, scrolling through Facebook when an advert came up on my screen with the words 'We Need You'. 

No, it wasn’t Uncle Sam on a war time recruitment poster, but an opportunity to take part in a clinical trial. As my curiosity grew stronger and my eyes were drawn to the allowance I could receive, I simply clicked and applied and was soon booked in for an appointment.

At my first screening appointment, I was greeted by a smiling receptionist who politely asked me to take a seat. As part of my appointment, I was invited into a room by a doctor who simply asked me the obvious health questions - and I also had some questions burning on my brain too. For example, I wanted to know what impact taking part in clinical trials might have on my health. After the doctor had dealt with my endless amount of questions, he reassured me that clinical trials are not as difficult as I’d thought and many of the products Quotient Sciences develops are already available on the market.

My mind was now at ease, and I was ready to get stuck in. A few days later I received a phone call explaining that I was eligible for the trial and was invited to be at Quotient Sciences' Ruddington base at 8am sharp the following Monday for admission. As I arrived, you guessed it... I was greeted again by another lovely receptionist who kindly let me through the door and instructed me to take my first left into the clinic. The nurses were very welcoming as they had me sat on my bed and went ahead with all the appropriate admission tests whilst talking me through it the whole time - because I’m not ashamed to admit... me and needles do not always go well. Afterwards, I was allowed to relax and await further notice.

The facilities at Quotient Sciences are fantastic - flat screen TVs with Sky, Xbox, pool tables and table tennis. I was living in this fantastic world where I could be a kid all over again with all the entertainment available. But wait... it gets better, fantastic facilities and great nurses aside, you are provided with 3 healthy meals a day as well - and let me tell you, they were all wonderfully appetising. To give you a clearer example of the food provided, one evening I was served a hunters chicken, wrapped succulently in crispy bacon, lathered in thick gravy. All this seemed too good to be true and I was waiting for the catch. However, there was no catch at all and after I was dosed, I was again asked to kick back and relax and do what I wanted essentially.

It’s been a real pleasure to do a clinical trial at the company, with the friendly staff and great facilities. To sum up, I would highly recommend Quotient Sciences.

I said I would only do one clinical trial and that would be it. However due to my wonderful experience, (thanks Quotient Sciences!), as soon as my 3 month wash out period is over, I’ll be back and ready to do it all over again. 

I have completed three trials with Quotient Sciences now and got into them when I noticed a newspaper advert many years ago. 

I was between jobs and the money was very good so thought it would be perfect while I was looking for something else; it also sounded really interesting.  So I had a screening, which was great as I got to visit the beautiful country park right next door to Quotient Sciences after my appointment – it was a great day all round actually.

I had done a trial elsewhere once, but found Quotient Sciences much more friendly, professional and just a pleasant experience. Free parking was a big bonus too, and the food is always very good with a great menu. The staff are very pleasant and they cannot do enough for you during your stay – the activities are fun - bingo, quizzes and more help to keep you occupied throughout your stay.

I choose to take part in clinical trials because I find the medical side very interesting and the payment is great too.

I tend to spend my time on a trial by getting to know the other people who have also joined the study; I always end up making friends and staying in contact with some of them. This time I did need the rest, as I hadn’t had time off from my job in a year and I felt totally refreshed after my stay with Quotient Sciences. I enjoyed taking part in the activities on offer, watching TV with the others and chatting about different things.

I always recommend Quotient Sciences to my friends and co-workers because it’s a great way to catch up on any work you may have during your stay, and for me I come out rested, with a few more new friends and financially much better off - I really enjoy explaining my days in the trial to people.

It fits perfectly around my life and I return home having lots to talk about to friends and family plus it helps make a difference helping to develop essential new medicines. I have used payments before for new cars, a nice cruise and general house repairs.

I am looking forward to more future clinical trials. I recently met 2 friends this time that I had met a few years ago when we first did a trial together; it was like a reunion.

One thing I find - the time goes by so quickly when I’m staying at Quotient Sciences, and my days never drag. I am so glad I went along the first time all those years ago and would not go anywhere else now.

If you are in 2 minds about applying, I would totally recommend it, what have you got to lose? You’re even paid a travel allowance for going along to your appointments!

I have just completed my first clinical trial with Quotient. I didn’t know anything about them at first but I kept seeing We Need You adverts on Facebook and after they popped up several times, I eventually decided to give Quotient a call to find out more.

I booked in for an induction, thinking “Sal what are you doing?”, but after learning more about clinical research, I found it all very interesting. I could be a part of the development of new drugs that may help people.

I watched my mum, then my son and now my grandson suffer with asthma and I wanted to see if I could help in any way. The staff were very informative and there was absolutely no pressure from them. Prior to taking part, I was given a health check to make sure that I was fit and well (which I would not have had otherwise).

Some of my friends were very sceptical about me taking part but I felt safe at all times. The staff at Quotient were great and friendly, from the doctors and nurses to the loveliest chef.

Before I started the clinical trial, I did not appreciate the in-depth work and tireless testing that went into the medication we all take for granted. I can honestly say that I feel grateful to all those other volunteers in the past that participated in trials of the medicines that my loved ones have needed.

I met some lovely people, made new friends, had a rest and hopefully in a very small way may have helped with medicines of the future.

I am definitely looking forward to my next clinical trial. My Nan used to say “count your blessings my girl” and I do.  I’m blessed with my health and strength - so I can help those that are not so fortunate. You never know - it may be me one day that will be in need of these medicines.

My name is Alastair and I have been volunteering now for around seven years.

I am a landscape designer/gardener and being self-employed gives me the flexibility to do the clinical trials that I can fit in when I’m not so busy.

I came to do clinical trials as my mother also contributed to medical science and this really opened my eyes to what we could do to help each other. I spoke to my GP, various professionals and my family and the rest is history.

After the study is complete, I give some of the money to the British Heart Foundation as they were amazing with my mum. The rest goes into our family holiday pot.

I have recommended the studies to many friends and a lot of them are now regular volunteers. One of the great things about the trials is meeting new people, many of whom I keep in touch with.

The clinic is always clean, the food is great and with the Sky packages on offer, Wi-Fi, Xbox, pool tournaments and many other activities, you are never bored.

As far as fitting it in around my family, providing you plan well - it’s easy. Thanks to the amazing staff you are always filled with confidence that you are in safe hands from start to finish.

I found myself with free time one summer and decided that being a volunteer for a clinical trial would be a good way to fill the time. 

My friends reacted with surprise and said it was a strange way to spend valuable leisure time, but for me, as well as the incentive of a financial reward for completing the study, there was the personal reward of being able to step out of the busy routine of daily life.

Participating in a clinical trial gave me time for the small things. Time to read that book; time to catch up on writing; time to clean my computer hard drive; time to find some quiet study time; time to run through the movies I never had time to see, and finally time to read the daily newspapers.

I’ve been very lucky in life with my health and so, for me, signing up for a clinical study was a simple obligation saying thank you for having such good fortune and a healthy frame. I don’t possess a medical cabinet, very rarely visit a pharmacy and have never been admitted to a hospital – that amounts to a whole lot of luck in my opinion.

I wanted to use my position to help research and development for possibly vital medicines to support those less fortunate than myself.

Regarding my clinical trial experience, the details of each study are clearly explained long before you reach a volunteer bed on a ward. It’s an information process that allows you to comfortably make an informed decision before taking part in a clinical study. Safety checks and assessment of health, past and existing, are prioritised and you feel the sense of ethical professionalism all through the volunteer experience.

The Quotient clinical team are exceptional in their attentiveness and willingness to help with any questions that you may have. Raise any query and it will be addressed; whether it be about the test medicine, the food, receiving mail, or something more personal.

You do need to be prepared for the clinical routine. It requires you to follow instruction and to be ready at the particular times for meals or procedures. Each study is conducted with care, accuracy and with a fair dose of good humour as well, by all the members of the ward team. From the senior medical team to the newest staff member, you do feel the duty of care with which they have been trusted and the upmost consideration is taken with your care at all times.

You don’t need to bring much onto the ward as there is limited space to store things. You’ll spend a great deal of your time relaxing, either in bed or on the sofas or excellent reclining chairs. Whatever makes you feel most comfy at home also works here. If you are a light sleeper, then ear‐plugs and eye‐blinds are a good idea.

The volunteer liaison officer runs a great program of social events to keep you enthused during the study. There are always activities to participate in and the ‘Queen of the Quiz’ Elaine is always ready to consider new suggestions from volunteers.

I’ve used the inconvenience allowances to travel far and wide. Friends in Melbourne, San Francisco, Bali, Mozambique, and Jamaica have all been on my radar and it’s just a great feeling being able to make those trips annually and see family and old friends.

For me, I can recommend Quotient as being unsurpassed in offering its volunteers the best experience possible on their studies. I am always comfortable, always informed and am never without the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers.

I’ll keep volunteering at Quotient as I know it does make such a huge difference – the forward push of vital medical research does need people like us…. So look online and apply – it really does start with you.