My name is Scott Preston and I have been volunteering with Quotient Sciences for 23 years. 

I’ve participated in over 50 clinical trials to date. My journey with Quotient Sciences started in 1994, when I noticed a small advert, in the Nottingham Post newspaper, recruiting volunteers for clinical studies. I didn’t know anyone who participated in medical research but I was curious to find out more.

In the beginning, it was simply out of interest and a good way to earn some extra money. Back then Quotient Sciences, or Pharmaceutical Profiles as it was called at the time, was just two small units at Highfields Science Park. There was only one bed, one TV lounge, pizza delivery for dinner and no overnight studies conducted.

22 years later, Quotient Sciences operates out of purpose-built facilities including six wards, TV lounges with Xboxes, a DVD library, an impressive selection of books and much more.

Why I keep coming back?

Taking part in a clinical trial means you are doing your bit for science, contributing towards the development of future medicines. Besides that, it really is a great way to get some guilt-free time to relax, away from daily worries and speed of life. Walking through the doors at Quotient Sciences is like taking your feet of life’s escalator – and walking into a place where I feel totally at home.

I feel well looked after at Quotient Sciences, with staff always ready to assist. There are daily freshly cooked meals and a variety of entertainment including bingo and quiz sessions. It is like being on an all-inclusive holiday with some additional money in your pocket afterwards. And so, I frequently recommend taking part in clinical trials at Quotient Sciences to my friends and family. My typical day on a trial is pretty laidback and drug dosing is only a small part of it. I spend most of my time socialising, taking part in games or getting some valuable ‘me’ time which I never get the chance to have in the outside world. Over the years I have met a variety of interesting people including teachers, professors, vicars and entrepreneurs; and they all have had one thing in common – the drive to make a difference. Some of them have remained my friends and we still keep in touch, sharing our similar open-minded attitude to life.

I feel proud to be able to play a part in helping to advance medicine. I have a young family myself and if taking part in studies meant I might be able to help another generation, I am really proud to do so. During my 23 years on the panel I have done a range of clinical trials – some long, some short stay and a few radiation studies. Everyone participating on the trial always agrees that they can’t wait to do the next one. I have never met anyone who said they wouldn’t do another one – a great testament to the hard working staff at Quotient Sciences. Being a volunteer is something I hope to continue doing for many years to come. I live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy the social aspect that each trial brings. I have completed over 50 clinical trials over the years since I have been on the panel and hope to do another one when after my latest wash out period comes to an end.

I don't understand where all the stereotypes come from regarding clinical trials, I can guarantee you, if you have heard something bad, it's not true!

If I'm being totally honest though, I did have some of the same doubts you may have. However, rest assured it's honestly a pressure free environment. You will get the opportunity not only to receive an allowance for taking part, but to potentially help people who are really suffering.

The test medicine in my trial was intended for treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Sounds heavy I know, but it's basically an incurable disease and something that a lot of people suffer from. The medicine I would be testing should help control it, and hopefully make life easier for those with it.

The trial would last for 18 consecutive days, with a couple of return visits. I honestly had a breezy experience. I will admit, there are a few downsides - you have to get up early, you have to share a large room with other people, which unfortunately sometimes includes 'snorers' and regular blood tests are involved. There will be occasions where some people do feel mildly unwell, such as a headache or similar, this didn't apply for me, but this is never given the opportunity to worsen as your health is of the most importance; that is something you can be assured of.

The food was great, this is what surprised me most. One of the things that came to my mind when doing this trial was that I was worried I would be super bored, but there is loads of things to keep you occupied - like organized games, quizzes and events. You will also find that everyone feels the same way as you do, so you can really connect with people, there were countless times we would end up playing a board game for hours. If you are anything like me, I love a good binge watch, and this is the best opportunity to get some much-needed box set coverage in. On the other hand, like a lot of people, if you have an essay to write or revising to do, it's a great opportunity for that to. Finally, of course, once you have finished, you receive your 'Inconvenience allowance', paid directly into your bank account.

It really is an all-rounder experience and something I will definitely do again, it's a great way to receive extra income, and be a help to society in some way. If you are reading this wondering what to do, don't hesitate - I get you may be worried but there is no need to be and sometimes you just need to hear someone say it!

Hi, my name is Mark, I am a family man and I've been with my partner for 3 years. 
I do these clinical trials to finance the nicer things in life, like a holiday in Lanzarote at Christmas, visiting lots of lovely restaurants and it gives us financial security.

For my latest trial, my partner and I chatted about how we would miss one another as it was quite a long 35 day study and a long time for me to be away from the family.

After passing all prior screening and COVID tests; I said my farewells in the carpark, entered the unit, and signed in. As I entered the building it was like being with family again, I recognised quite a few friendly faces and there were many new ones.

The first two days were a constant buzz of activity, with some tests and assessments all done to make sure I was still fit, healthy and, more importantly, to make sure I am safe.

Third day in and it's the BIG D Day!! Dosing day.

I feel very settled in by this point, I’ve had my breakfast, had some blood tests taken and safety checks completed before and after dosing and now the rest of the day was mine - so I move around my Ward and get to know everyone; I must point out I am pretty outgoing and chatty.

I was able to find out what activities where on in the clinic during my stay such as movie Mondays and had a quick catch up with the clinic’s Volunteer Liaison Officer - who is a real ambassador for the company, helping volunteers any with any queries, collecting your washing for long studies and much more.

The thing I like about this place is the people are amazing, always helpful and considerate. The Liaison Officer will answer any questions or concerns you have or will find somebody who can; it gives great peace of mind and they honestly make it fun and entertaining.

I love the routine of breakfast, dosing, vitals then time to chill, lunch, then more chilling. You can call people, face time, WhatsApp with the free WIFI. If you fancy some ‘you time’ you can chill and watch TV or movies on Netflix, catch up on the News, play FIFA on the Xbox or simply enjoy the board games, puzzles or jigsaws. I personally watch movies and boxsets on Show Box.

It’s been really quiet nice listening to what people are planning to do with their payment they are receiving. For me it's paying for the finer things in life for myself and my lady, and lots of people use theirs to go on holiday and even taking long back packing trips for several months.

Thank you for listening and if you have spare time, currently not working, or would like to be a part of the solution in a world full of medical problems, have a gander at weneedyou.co.uk – a chance to meet amazing people and help medicine advance by being a paid volunteer. Don't miss an opportunity to enrich what you already have, good luck, and maybe I might just bump into you on my next study with Quotient Sciences.

Hi, I'm Cara, full time mummy, self- employed teacher, and travel enthusiast.

Together with my son we have been exploring the planet regularly within the last two years and well, Quotient Sciences helped make that possible, here's why!

Three years ago I was all ready to head out for New Year's Eve, when my childcare plans back fired. I decided to make a plan, a plan to change my mind set and live happy. So going into the New Year, I created a budget to save money, sold my life luxuries, keeping only the necessities and applied for my first clinical trial.

So it didn't take long after applying, that I was invited for screening. If anything, at least this was a new year's full health MOT. I remember waiting for that call to confirm if I had been accepted, and hearing the words, everything is fine, you can come in for admission was a great feeling.

I don't know what I was expecting, hospital rules, hospital food, lots of bed rest but actually it was so much better than I expected. As a full time mummy, it was actually really nice to come to Quotient Sciences and have time to relax. Whether catching up with a TV series in bed, socialising or playing board games with other volunteers, Quotient Sciences has felt like a second home.

The food is great, so much so that I also seem to put on a little extra weight each time; my favourites are the pulled pork and fish pie. The staff are always friendly and it's nice when you participate every few months and they remember who you are. There are always so many volunteers that come from all walks of life, so it's a really good way to meet people and make new friends, not to mention you are actually doing something to help medical science and will benefit people in the future. So yeah, for me all the above are reasons for why I take part and of course the payment you receive plays a part in it too.

I've come to realise that money isn't everything in this world, but it certainly helps. Before Quotient Sciences, I was using a strict budget, working lots and giving up the luxuries in life to save money, so a top up payment from clinical trials definitely helps.

For me, I love to travel and spend everyday day with my son, seeing the world, escaping comfort zones, meeting people and embracing culture is what I spend the money on. Since my first study, we have visited 28 different countries in over three continents. We've swam with sharks and turtles on the Great Barrier Reef and stayed in a house on stilts in the Andaman Sea, Thailand. Seeing my son adapt to life on the road and try so many new things and still smile is one of the most rewarding things and we are so lucky to have had these opportunities.

I'm really lucky that I have a good network of friends and family who help out with childcare when I'm on a study. Although it does usually mean I have to apply for the more spread out trials, but two or three night stays soon fly by. I actually studied a teaching course whilst on my first trial after another volunteer recommended it, and now work from anywhere online.

I am actually planning to start a degree in English and Languages, so am looking forward to having down time whilst on my next clinical trial to do this.

I highly recommend Quotient Sciences' clinical trials to whatever your walk of life is, if you want to do something that will help someone in the future, earn some extra pennies or even just escape the pressures of life for a bit to meet new people, then this is a great opportunity for you. I can't wait for the next trial!

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Hi, I’m Maura, 55 years old with a grown up family. 

I worked as a full time teacher for most of my career until I was made redundant a few years ago. When I tried supply teaching instead of applying for another full time job, I found it much more user friendly so decided to get myself some part time jobs to fill the financial breach which does give me flexibility but not the financial security to make the most of the time off I could take. Then a friend recommended to do a clinical trial with Quotient and hey presto I now can take more time off without the financial pressure.

If you are contemplating doing a clinical trial and have come across Quotient Sciences for the first time or just want to find out what it’s all about, then the best thing to do is to make yourself an appointment and get yourself down to look at the facility and hear what they say. The staff at Quotient are transparent about the pros and cons at the outset and they are all lovely at every level.

With the right mind-set (the inconvenience allowance makes that a lot easier), in a group where your fellow volunteers have an array of social skills, I would challenge anyone not to enjoy the experience.

Despite the reactions of some of the people I’ve talked to about it, I feel strongly that it’s a good thing to do for myriad reasons. Who wouldn’t enjoy a boost to their finances? Who hasn’t had or doesn’t have a family member who benefits from medication? Who doesn’t know or hasn’t heard of someone who suffers from a condition that researchers are still battling to find ever more effective remedies for? Who can say that they are not going to benefit from medicine in the future?

In taking part in a trial you will be financially reimbursed for making a small contribution to the development of future medications. As an often unconsidered aside, you will get a heads up as to the state of your health through the screening procedures for the specific trials you apply for. You will have to sacrifice some lifestyle choices temporarily, whether that’s coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate or some other restricted items, but just for a limited time. It’s also good to know that you can have them again and you’ll appreciate them more after the trial is completed.

If your concern is that you might be endangering your own health by allowing yourself to be tested on then you’ll be pleased to find the chances of that happening are reassuringly miniscule, with measured and isolated doses followed by days of copious monitoring. Also you choose which trials you’d like to participate in, you don’t have to do it. We’re hopefully making an incremental contribution to the progress of particular treatments.

I am currently participating in my third trial and I haven’t had an off-putting experience yet. Although with one failed screening due to the specific requirements of the trial and volunteers being sent home for not having followed restrictions prior to admission, I would have to caution you not to “count your chickens before they hatch” with regard to financial expectations.

Mostly, I look forward to upcoming studies as a paid rest if not a holiday. It’s a fantastic personal opportunity to get up to date with yourself. You can do all those written or computer based tasks you’ve not had time for and if you work from home via computer, it’s perfect. I tend to think of it as a weird combination of a holiday-boot camp-retreat. Meals come on a tray and are a few notches up from canteen food but the plus is definitely no domestic chores for the duration.

You do have to lose some of the control you have in your life and fit into a more communal and mostly indoor routine. With the people you befriend, chat to or just observe, being a cross section of life's rich tapestry, there is much enjoyment and entertainment to be had. And if you prefer more solitary pursuits you can stay in bed and be in your own cocoon, avoid the lounges when others are there and get away with being pretty antisocial if that’s what you prefer.

If you like meeting people and enjoy company it’s fun; a group camaraderie soon develops as you are thrown together into the thick of it. From bloods, dosing and ECGs to bingo, jigsaws and quizzes.

I just wish someone had introduced me to clinical trials sooner. Definitely an experience I’d put on my bucket list. And if you don’t enjoy it, at least your bank account will be happier! And when you’re enjoying that extra holiday, making that home improvement, getting rid of debts or whatever you fancy doing with your inconvenience allowance, you’ll probably look back more fondly and contemplate doing another.

This is now my second clinical trial that I have participated in at Quotient Sciences, my first one was three years ago. 

Back then I was very nervous at first and didn’t know what to expect and also wasn’t a fan of needles.

However, on entering the ward for the first time I instantly felt safe and all the staff were so welcoming and helpful. I settled in and started chatting to the other volunteers about their past trial experiences and life stories. I started becoming more relaxed although in the back of my mind I still didn’t know if I could cope with staying inside the building days at a time as I am a very active person and thought the hour and minutes would drag on. I was definitely proved wrong, I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly the days seemed to go. There are lots of different lounges with TVs, Xboxes; and all the volunteers are always around and want to chat. I found myself playing pool, table tennis, board games, having film nights. I made close friends with volunteers and even overcame my fear for needles and became very interested in the actual medical side behind the trials and the staff who work there.

From this experience I was able to save enough money to complete my dream and go travelling around South East Asia and then after, moved over to Australia. I have only recently returned back to the UK and I am now doing my second trial at Quotient Sciences. I was sceptical to see if I would enjoy it as much as my first one. It didn’t disappoint, I have made some great friends. I love meeting new people and even though there are obvious restrictions on what we can do, I can still have a laugh. They have even started a bingo session and quiz days on Tuesdays which gets people together to just have some fun.

In the real life of now working two jobs it’s such a nice break to go in and relax and not having to think too much, apart from what’s for dinner. Big shout out to the man Chris, the house chef there and his home made food. I love his cornflake tart with custard. It is definitely nothing like hospital food which I first expected before my first trial. I think it’s a great way to meet people and earn cash for those dreams, holidays or just something to spend on whatever you want. Whilst doing this, I am also helping the development of science, research and drugs to help those that are in need and this gives me great satisfaction of being able to have the opportunity to do so. It’s a win win in my eyes and it has now opened my friends’ minds to take part in clinical trials. I will most definitely be taking part in more future studies at Quotient Sciences.

I'm Jayne, a vintage stockist. 

Having participated in many clinical trials since 2011, I'm constantly curious as to which trials are available on Quotient Sciences' website. It's such an easy way to pay for life's little extras - retail never sleeps! The clinic is like a retreat for me, which pays me to be a guest!

I heard about Quotient Sciences by word of mouth and I applied for a clinic tour. Being situated in Rushcliffe Country Park, in Ruddington village also, it appealed instantly as I love the great outdoors!

The unit itself has a pleasant, welcoming feel; a number of lounges, soft seating, recliners, but essentially warm and polite volunteers and staff across all professions. It's easy enough to drift in and out of socialising. Volunteers who gravitate to clinical trials you'll find are a pleasant, upbeat and polite bunch with a broad variety of interests where friendships are easily forged. Large TV screens featuring Sky are in all lounges, suiting all tastes. Personally, I’m made up for a sit-in with the sporting greats; Wimbledon, test match cricket, rugby, athletics and more! Hey but there are films and favourites a go-go!

It's so lovely spending time with people of all ages - playing table tennis in the open air courtyard, shooting pool in the airy conservatory. Sometimes a team strikes up. Sometimes a novice steps up. And sometimes you're whooped. Time to read the papers! Daily newspapers and broadsheets are a treat and a catch up in the clinic.

I find it easy to do lengthier studies. Many pull a quickie - two or three days - and can't wait to get back.

Time flies and Chef's multi-choice menu is well anticipated. Scrummy food is freshly prepared and the aroma floats down the corridors. Sometimes, the rarely spotted cornflake tart and custard lands on my tray. Hey ho! There are lighter options; one eats well inside ! Lunch munch is a meal-deal type affair or soup. Plenty though! Yes, one is very well fed.

Which brings me to what it's all about. I value my health. Many people with illnesses can't get through a day the way most of us take for granted. There are a few dietary restrictions just prior to admittance - a small ask - I'm glad to be part of kicking some of these miserable illnesses off the face of the planet. Making medical history is just around the next corner.

The medical team a Quotient Sciences constantly monitor heart rate, blood pressure, , temps etc. - if anything was amiss with my health, they'd find it! EARLY! Invariably, medicines are already on the market. As trials are passed by an ethics board, I'm good with it.

I usually opt for four-figure allowance trials. I've received many allowances ranging from £1000-£3000 per trial. Just for a week or two! That's Glastonbury sorted, Trent Bridge membership, a city break, a night at Rock City, a night at the opera, a dancing. And a posh picnic or two in the Dales!