What participants receive and who can participate
NRI compensates participants fairly for their time and travel. Eligibility varies by study. This page covers the general framework. Each study listing includes the specific criteria and compensation amount for that trial.
How participants are compensated
NRI provides financial compensation to all study participants to recognize the time, travel, and effort required to complete a clinical trial. Compensation amounts vary by study depending on the number of visits, the length of participation, and the demands of the protocol.
Compensation is paid incrementally as you complete scheduled visits, not as a lump sum at the end. This means if you need to withdraw before the study concludes, you are compensated for the participation you completed. Compensation is provided regardless of which study group you are assigned to, active product or placebo.
Compensation amounts for each study are listed on the individual study page. They are designed to be fair recognition of your time without creating pressure to participate in research you would otherwise decline. If you have questions about compensation before applying, contact us.
Compensation is not the reason to join a study. It is recognition that your time has value. The reason to join is that you are contributing to evidence that changes what the industry knows about botanical supplements.
NRI studies have one of the highest participant retention rates in the field. 95% or more of enrolled participants complete their studies. That is a reflection of how we treat people, not just how we design protocols.
Who can typically participate in NRI studies
Each study has its own specific eligibility criteria listed in the study description. The criteria below represent general patterns across NRI trials. Meeting these general criteria does not guarantee eligibility for any specific study.
Generally eligible
Common exclusions
These are general patterns only. Apply even if you are unsure. We screen every applicant individually and will tell you honestly whether you qualify. Many people who assume they do not qualify actually do.
A realistic picture of what we ask
Time commitment
Study duration ranges from 4 weeks to 16 weeks depending on the protocol. Most studies require between 2 and 6 in-person visits at the NRI facility in Huntsville. Each visit typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes. Between visits, home-based activities are usually brief, 5 to 15 minutes per day for questionnaire completion or product use.
Product use
Most NRI studies involve taking a supplement or using a product daily for the study duration. The specific product, format, dose, and schedule are described in the informed consent document before you commit. Some studies use placebo. You may or may not know which group you are in, depending on the study design.
Questionnaires and assessments
NRI uses validated psychometric instruments to measure outcomes. You will complete questionnaires about your symptoms, wellbeing, and experience at scheduled intervals. These are not onerous. Most take 5 to 15 minutes. They are the primary way we measure whether the product is working.
Optional blood draws
Some studies include optional or required blood draws to measure biomarkers alongside the questionnaire data. Whether blood draws are involved, how many, and what they measure is specified in the study listing and informed consent. You are never required to provide samples beyond what the protocol specifies.
Ready to apply?
View currently enrolling studies and apply online. We respond within five business days.