Hi, I'm Jamie, and I have been doing Quotient Sciences’ clinical trials for the past 4 years now.

What got me started doing trials at Quotient Sciences? Well, I was actually sat in a bar down on the beach in Cambodia a few years ago and I got chatting to a man I had recently become friends with. He was telling me all about how he could receive payments for taking part in clinical trials - which sounded great - it was something that I had previously been curious about but never knew anyone that had ever done it or how to get involved.

When I got home later that year, the conversation I had with my friend popped back into my head and I searched online looking for 'Medical Trials' and came across Quotient Sciences.
I applied, attended an induction and after completion was given the details of the available trials - and I signed up to one; the whole process being pleasantly simple.

I'm self-employed, so taking the time off work is never an issue for me and so I do tend to choose the longer residency trials. Once the trial is finished and I've completed my last appointment, it's not long before the inconvenience allowance is in the bank and I make sure it goes straight into my savings.

I love doing trails at Quotient Sciences - it's a great way to meet new and interesting people. I've made lots of friends there, the staff are great and attentive. With me having quite a physical job, it's nice to be able to chill out, relax and still get paid for my time.

The food is always great, and I always get excited about filling out my personal menu with what food I want; the homemade pies are one of my favourite!

During the trials, once the busier first day or two after dosing are over, you often get a lot of free time. This is good, as it gives me a bit of 'me' time where I can entertain myself with my laptop using the free WiFi - whether I'm translating Asian songs into English, watching Netflix or surfing the net, I rarely get bored.

The clinics have great lounges where you can watch Sky TV, movies or play pool/darts/Xbox etc.
Me and a few lads even spent a few days completing "the hardest puzzle in the world" on my last study.
My favourite days are definitely when the Volunteer liaison officer comes around to do quizzes and bingo, where there are prizes to be won!

When I tell my friends and family about the trials I’ve taken part in, at first they think I am mad as they usually have the wrong impression of what actually goes on at the clinic, and then become envious when I tell them how much I get paid for taking part in them whilst helping develop new medicines too.

I'd encourage anyone who is unsure about what's involved to apply and book in for an induction and tour of the clinic - I'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised!

My name is Ryan, I am 27 years old and I have been doing trials with Quotient Sciences since 2013.

My first experience of clinical trials was on the other side of the world, in Australia, where I did a couple of trials to support me financially while I travelled around the country. As soon as I returned home to the U.K, I immediately started searching for a clinic near me and found Quotient Sciences just up the road on the outskirts of Nottingham.

I went to an induction and found it extremely informative, so I couldn’t wait to sign up for a trial. I was studying at University at the time and found I was able to balance the shorter 3 or 4-day trials around my studies.

This provided me with a much welcomed and necessary period to work on my assignments while disconnected from the distractions of the outside world. I even found my time in the clinic to be relaxing, as you are provided with lots of spare time to sleep, play games, watch movies and converse with other like-minded volunteers.

Since those first trials, I have gone on to do a total of thirteen studies with Quotient Sciences, with the longest duration lasting up to 18 nights in the clinic. These trials have almost single-handedly given me the opportunity to continue my travels in my post-university life. So far, my studies have supported me with hiking adventures in the Himalayas, Andes and Alps, travelling around Central America, stargazing in Iceland, walking across Spain and most recently travelling around Vietnam on a scooter.

I can honestly say without Quotient Sciences, most of these adventures would not be possible. Next year, I am hoping to travel to Colombia with the money I’ve saved from participating in trials with Quotient Sciences. It has become my second home - a home that allows me to help advance the world of medicine (while taking me to the mountain tops).

Getting paid while saving the world!

So, everybody always asks ‘how did you get into clinical trials and testing medicines?’ For me, it happened years ago.

I was working in a pub in Sheffield, it’s where all the Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday players went for a drink, I was about 20 years old and I used to work with a few people serving behind the bar. I was talking to a new lad, he had been to America on holiday for a month and was telling me all about it - where he had been, what he had been up to.

I then casually said, ‘how can you afford to travel for so long if you’re just working here?!’ He told me he took part in a medical trial. My ears pricked up as I have never heard of it before.

He was telling me he had trialed new medicines or medicines that were already on the market but had a different brand name or new dosage - basically any medicine has to be tested through a rigorous clinic trial system. The great bit was not only are you doing a service to the medical industry, but you actually get paid for your time whilst you take part. This sounded right up my street, so I googled it.

It turns out the young lad was correct. There were a handful of clinics in the UK, but the one that stood out to me the most was Quotient Sciences as it was only a stone’s throw away from me. So I completed my online application form through the ‘We Need You’ website and answered a handful of lifestyle questions and pressed submit.

It wasn’t too long before I got a call from the Quotient team. We arranged for me to come down for an induction, this was a great chance for me to have a look around the clinic and ask the long list of questions I had. I arrived and was met by a really friendly team who instantly put me at ease,  all my questions were answered in full and the best thing was I wasn’t out of pocket as my travel was paid by allowance.

It was confirmed, I was a fit and healthy volunteer in the prime of my life as I later bragged to my friends. I was contacted about studies that I was eligible for and was more in demand than Elvis! I chose the study that suited my work schedule and I booked in for a screening.

I felt it was a full free valet, and it turns out I was a perfect specimen, still am at the age of 51! I have done many trials now, over a number of years and the rewards have been immense. Apart from helping medical science, I have been abroad many times with my payments, moved house 3 times and having the freedom and extra money has been amazing.

What has always surprised me was how straight forward it is to become a volunteer. However, what didn’t surprise me, but overwhelmed me, was the amazing the staff and how well they treat each volunteer from beginning to the end of the process. Whether it be a 2 week clinical trial or 35 days, nothing is ever too much for them. They really do their best to help make your experience at Quotient a great one.

If you don't mind staying away from home for a few days, then this is an amazing opportunity to help the world of science whilst benefitting your bank account. Being a part of the Quotient community is one of the best things I have done in life, apart from the kids of course. It’s given me so many opportunities and experiences, I am truly blessed and lucky to be a part of Quotient Sciences and improving the lives of others.

Just wanted to share my experience during my recent time on a 10-day paid clinical trial and to thank everyone involved.

Time went surprisingly quickly as the days are well structured around time points, procedures and mealtimes – and apart from on the first day of dosing, there was a lot of free time to relax.

It's a chance to make new friends and hang out, as everyone has a breathing space from the usual demands of modern life.

It's a great chance to meet folk from a totally different walk of life. There's a spacious TV room to relax in with an area for hot drinks. Some days there would be a quiz or bingo (l won a couple of gift vouchers) and a couple of times the group went out for a walk around the local scenic country park. I understand this is not always possible, but if they have the staff available, the clinic will try and arrange this for the group.

The staff are professional, but they also have a warm human approach. Procedures are explained with any questions and needs accommodated.

If you haven't done a trial before, l can reassure you that you are in good hands and encourage you to go for it.

It has genuine world outcomes.

Many of the test medicines go on to help many who struggle with health issues - which is a good feeling to think you played a small part in things.

Also, the inconvenience allowance received for your time is obviously a big help personally – it helps pays for the little treats in life! As it happens, I'm writing this on a warm November morning besides the pool in Sri Lanka.

If you are wondering who else does these studies and why we do it – check out the community of volunteers

Hi, I’m Mark. I have been volunteering with Quotient Sciences for 8 years and I try and do a couple of clinical studies a year. 

It’s a personal treat to be a volunteer at Quotient, from the screening appointment to the admission day, it feels great to have some ME time!

Whilst at Quotient, it’s a great time to catch up with old friends and even make new ones. The staff are fantastic and even though some studies can feel like an interruption to binge watching Netflix when having bloods and procedures done, you do get used to it in a matter of hours.

There is a variety of food on the menu and its always the highlight of my stay. You get real home-cooked food that is delivered to you with no washing up - plus there is always pudding, so it feels like a treat every day.

You can usually eat in a lounge of your choice or at a table in one of the communal areas, allowing you to have the option of a having a relaxing meal for one with your ‘TV date’ or have a sociable meal with your new friends.

You can play board games, watch TV or a film, read a book or better still a bit of competitive quizzing with the group and they’re just a few of the amazing highlights for me.

I work part time as a taxi driver and a serve as a soldier with the Royal Logistics Corp in Southampton. These part-time roles give me the flexibility to be able to choose the studies that suit me.

I am also a dad of two, with a son in his 20s and a young daughter who is 10 and after my stay, I use the money I receive to help fund regular city breaks and fun surprises with the family!

Doing a trial with Quotient is a no brainer. Receiving payments whilst also contributing towards advancing medical science is a great feeling, whether it’s making new friends catching up on a new book, studying or binge-watching Netflix, I will always keep on coming back to Quotient Sciences year after year.

Take care Quotient Buddies and see you soon… Quick march!

As part of our continued fund raising for our chosen charity, Teenage Cancer Trust, earlier this month a team of determined adventurers from the Quotient Sciences' pharmaceutical science team took part in Gung Ho!

The fun run and obstacle course at Wollaton Park, Nottingham stretched 5km with ten giant obstacles, including a giant ball pit, the Labyrinth maze and the Thriller, Europe’s largest inflatable slide at over five stories high.

Despite some variable weather, all team members completed the course in good time and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.

In the last 18 months staff at Quotient have raised over £12,000 for the charity through an
eclectic mix of activities from cake making to cycle rides and sky diving!

The 14th May marks the day that the world’s first ever vaccination as a preventative treatment for smallpox was administered by Doctor Edward Jenner, in 1796 in Gloucestershire right here in the UK.

Edward Jenner is remembered as the pioneer of the smallpox vaccination and the father of the science of Immunology.  Smallpox was the most feared and greatest killer of the time.  As deadly as cancer or heart disease today.  It killed 10% of the population, rising to 20% in towns and cities where infection spread easily.  Among children, it accounted for one in three of all deaths.

In 1798, the results of Jenner’s experiment were finally published and Jenner coined the word vaccine from the Latin ‘vacca’ for cow as the original experiment involved a cowpox pustule being injected into a child’s arm.

Today, 220 years since that day, medicines have continued to develop. Clinical trials taking place worldwide have led to treatments and vaccinations for hundreds of conditions, helping to make the world a healthier place.

Leading on from Edward Jenner’s first vaccination 220 years ago, we continue to perform clinical trials along with our superb volunteers looking into ways of improving medicines and helping to find treatments to improve lives worldwide.

Today is World Mental Health Day - we celebrate it as a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries. On 10th October every year, thousands of supporters come to celebrate this annual awareness program to bring attention to mental illness and its major effects on peoples' life worldwide.

Even today, 26 years on, there is a stigma attached to people’s mental health. A huge step forward has been made this week as a minister for suicide prevention has been appointed in England by the Prime Minister as the British government host the first ever Global Mental Health Summit.

Theresa May said the appointment of Health Minister, Jackie Doyle-Price to the new role will help tackle the stigma surrounding suicide. While suicide rates are falling, 4,500 people take their own lives every year – a shocking figure to read on any day. The appointment comes as ministers and officials from more than 50 countries assemble in London for the summit for today’s meeting.

For me, whilst a huge step forward, this doesn’t go far enough and as a passionate and responsible parent of 4 young children I believe education at a young age is key to not only the prevention of these terrible stories of suicide – but to encourage everyone to talk about their feelings and wellbeing.

I have recently become involved with a charity The Shaw Mind Foundation. Its goal is to significantly reduce suicide across the world within 10 years. They hope to achieve this by developing innovative ways to support children and the next generation to flourish and cope with the emotional demands of modern day life, and by supporting businesses to shape positive mental health and wellbeing in the workplace.

By running to raise funds and awareness for this charity, it has helped me feel stronger with my own metal health – next year I hope to do a sky dive to raise more funds. I feel that my kids will see the difference we can all make – by simply opening up and being honest about how we feel.

While mental health will always be a difficult subject, with continued conversation, the stigma around it will become less and less – as and this reduces hopefully the thousands that suffer in silence will reduce too.

The Bridge - Homelessness to Hope is an amazing charity whom I volunteer with on a weekly basis. I take part in a drop in service, offering hot meals, drinks, warm clothes and basic essentials as well as social interaction to visitors. They also have a mentoring project which was established to support homeless and vulnerably-housed adults with multiple and complex needs. It aims to increase mentees’ confidence, reduce social isolation, improve mental and physical health and access practical help. I get the chance to meet individuals from all walks of life by taking part in this work, from fellow volunteers, to those who utilize the service provided. I truly commend The Bridge and all they do, and feel proud to be part of their worthy cause. This organisation relies solely on generous donations and fundraising to keep its doors and services open - hence why your sponsorship is so important.

I decided to take part in a fundraising event "The Big Sleep" to raise both money and awareness of what many cities' homeless go through every night. Below is a small snippet of my experience sleeping outdoors.

As I tucked myself into my sleeping bag, brutally aware of the cold on my face, I mentally prepared myself for the long night ahead. My body ached from the hard floor. Even with a mat I felt stiff and sore. I was lucky enough to have been lent several thermal layers of clothing from friends, and there is no doubt that this played a massive part in cushioning my experience.

The noise of the group taking part in The Big Sleep died down around midnight. There was just the sound of traffic in the distance and the whistle of the wind. Loneliness crept over me, even though I knew I was fortunate enough not to be alone.

Every hour or so I awoke, a little startled at my whereabouts. I poked my head out of my sleeping bag, checked on Laura, a fellow volunteer beside me, before settling back in. I did a countdown for every hour that passed, telling myself “I am over half way”...”nearly there”...”not long left”. The temperature reached -4 at its lowest.

Around 2:15 am, I realised my sleeping bag and pillow were wet. I was confused. Had it rained? I made an attempt to pull the waterproof cover I had packed over both myself and Laura. The security guard saw me struggling, and came to help. I was muttering how I hadn’t realised we were expecting rain. He responded “This is not rain love, it’s a sheet of ice”.

The support I received for one night from my family, friends and work colleagues was bittersweet. Absolutely great for me, however, also sad. I felt sad thinking of those who don’t have any or very limited support in their day to day struggle to keep warm and fed, and ultimately stay alive, especially during the blisteringly cold weather we have been faced with the last few months.

The Big Sleep has been a truly eye opening experience and one that will stay with me for my lifetime. Not only has this encounter made me more grateful for a roof over my head, but also for the fact I never struggle to make ends meet in terms of a hot meal or drink. I have a strong support system in those closest to me, who I can rely on to bail me out if times get tough. This is a blessing, and a reminder, that so many are not as fortunate.

There is still time to donate and if you decide to do so, please quote Emily Price – The Big Sleep Out in the comment box.

I've just finished my first trial with Quotient Sciences and my second trial overall.  I have to say that the whole process with Quotient was seamless and worked like a Swiss watch. Generally, recruitment are notorious for being a pain in the derriere making promises that do not meet experience.  I'm delighted to say that this was not the case here.  Recruitment is timely and effective from the first phone call, through the screening - which was both professional and a great laugh.  

Those standards were continued throughout the trial.

The study itself was two study periods, so 21 nights overall.  I would encourage anyone considering doing a medical trial to understand themselves; if you're going to struggle with that period of time, do a shorter one to begin with. 

Our study meant that being outside was not an option in the early stages.  However, when that stage was complete, the staff took us out around the park area in Ruddington which I have to say was fantastic.  The park itself is a real treasure and would make most areas of the UK proud - this is right on Quotients doorstep.

The facilities were great in terms of entertainment.  Quizzes, bingo and TV with DVD and a selection of books on offer along with a stable internet connection.  Personally, I viewed it as an office with great productivity made better by virtue of the fact I was being paid for being there!

The food on offer was varied with a menu to choose from for meals.  I particularly enjoyed the old school puddings served with custard which became a mainstay of my diet whilst there. 

I intended on using the incon to fund a few living expenses whilst setting up a business.  However, on returning home my wife had other ideas and we have booked a holiday to enjoy some quality family time together along with soaking up some sun.  Thankfully there's some left which will do the job intended.

 I cannot recommend Quotient Sciences highly enough.  Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or you're considering doing a trial for the first time, this company is totally worth working with.  I will be back after my washout period even though business will be booming; with the cost of living going up ad hoc lump sums of capital are not to be sniffed at.

The time spent with the staff there was great - I appreciated all the time that the volunteer liaison spent with us – it was fun – informative and its clear she loves her job!