In today’s world, many people are looking for side hustles and flexible earning opportunities. paid clinical trials in the United Kingdom have become a noteworthy option. Participants gain financial compensation, often amounting to several thousand pounds, and contribute to vital scientific advancements that support future medical breakthroughs.
Payment for taking part in these trials is not arbitrary. It reflects the time, commitment, and personal inconvenience involved, particularly in early-stage drug testing that demands close monitoring. Healthy individuals, as well as those with specific medical conditions, may be eligible depending on the study’s design. Some trials offer short outpatient visits. Others require extended residential stays, sometimes lasting a full month, with payments that can exceed £10,000.
The growing number of trials and the upward trend in remuneration are not just happenstance. They are part of a broader national strategy. Government policies and economic ambitions have identified the life sciences sector as a pillar of growth. Reviews like the Lord O’Shaughnessy report have emphasised the need for the UK to strengthen its global scientific presence. Clinical trials are central to this goal. Industry-funded research already generates billions in Gross Value Added and sustains tens of thousands of jobs. Recent data from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) confirms that the number of UK-based trials has risen for the second consecutive year, reinforcing the sector’s momentum.
This increase in opportunities also reflects public sentiment. Since the pandemic, awareness of medical research has soared. During the COVID vaccine trials, over half a million volunteers registered through the NHS. Many were healthy individuals motivated by more than just money. This cultural shift has made paid participation more acceptable, even commendable. Building on this momentum, University College London Hospitals (UCLH) launched a healthy volunteer registry in early 2025, helping to match individuals with clinical research tailored to their profile.
While financial reward is an obvious attraction, many participants cite a dual motivation: a sense of contributing to public health while earning fair compensation. This blend of personal benefit and social impact explains why trial enrolment has become increasingly mainstream across the UK.
What Are the Highest Paying Clinical Trials in 2025?
Some of the most lucrative clinical trials currently taking place are hosted by established research centres in Nottingham, London, and Leeds. The facilities run studies sponsored by pharmaceutical companies developing new medicines, usually in early stages of human testing. These trials are tightly regulated and carefully structured to ensure participant safety while generating valuable scientific data.
The following studies, open to healthy volunteers, are among the best paying currently available in the UK.
Quotient Sciences, Nottingham – Study QSC303303
This Phase 1 trial evaluates an oral medication’s safety, tolerability, and how the drug is processed by the body. Participants are compensated between £11,415 and £11,515, in addition to three travel payments.
- Commitment: 30 consecutive nights in residence, one screening visit, one return visit, and one follow-up call.
- Eligibility: Males and postmenopausal or surgically sterile females aged 18 to 65. Participants must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40. Non-smokers only. This trial is not suitable for vegetarians.
Each group has a detailed timeline. One cohort, for instance, begins screening in early June, remains at the clinic from late June to late July, and completes follow-up in August.
Hammersmith Medicines Research, London – Study 23-006 Part C
This trial investigates a new medication for autism spectrum disorder and offers £8,680 to volunteers.
- Commitment: 28 nights in residence, two outpatient visits, and one follow-up.
- Eligibility: Healthy adults aged 18 to 55, BMI between 18.5 and 32, minimum weight 40kg. Participants must not use nicotine or tobacco and, if female, must be postmenopausal or surgically sterilised.
Admissions are scheduled for June 5 and June 16, 2025. As is common in early-stage trials, detailed product information will be published later due to commercial sensitivity.
Fortrea Clinical Trials, Leeds – Study 8535365
Aimed at older adults, this trial offers £9,054 plus five travel reimbursements.
- Commitment: 21 nights in residence, one screening, and four outpatient visits.
- Eligibility: Men and women aged 65 and older. BMI must be between 17 and 35, and body weight over 50kg. No smoking in the last three months. Gilbert’s syndrome is an exclusion, but HRT use is permitted.
The study includes two cohorts, one in June and another in July. The facility offers a vegetarian menu during the stay.
Understanding the High Payments
These trials offer more than just quick outpatient visits. The extended residential stays, coupled with close medical observation and frequent procedures, justify the high levels of compensation. In fact, the Phase 1 nature of these trials is significant. This is typically when a new drug is tested in humans for the first time, increasing the medical monitoring required.
Participation is safe but comes with some degree of uncertainty, especially when a drug is early in development. This contributes to the premium payments offered. Volunteers are not exposed to undue risk, but they must be fully informed and willing to comply with strict clinical protocols.
Another reason for high pay is the specific eligibility criteria. For example, some studies only accept postmenopausal women or adults over 65. This reflects the scientific focus of the drug under investigation and its intended user group.
Fun Fact: In 2025, the UK has trials that pay more than many entry-level jobs over the same period. A 30-day residential study at Quotient Sciences pays over £11,500 — the equivalent of more than £380 per day.
Where to Find Paid Clinical Trials in the UK
Locating reliable and well-paying trials requires knowing where to search. Reputable research centres maintain their own databases, and several official platforms compile national and global listings.
Direct Recruitment Sites
| Platform | Website | Features |
| Fortrea Clinical Trials | fortreaclinicaltrials.com | Leeds-based, filters by gender, age, study dates |
| WeNeedYou (Quotient Sciences) | weneedyoutrials.com | Nottingham trials, filters for age, gender, smoking status |
| Hammersmith Medicines Research | londontrials.com | London studies, reviews individual listings |
| Trials4Us | trials4us.co.uk | Includes filters and eligibility tools |
| FluCamp | flucamp.com | Offers studies in London and Manchester for flu, RSV, and asthma |
These clinic-specific sites offer the most direct route to enrolment. Most include detailed eligibility information, compensation figures, and online application forms.
National and International Databases
| Platform | Website | Features |
| NIHR Be Part of Research | bepartofresearch.nihr.ac.uk | NHS-backed, filters by condition and location |
| ClinicalTrials.gov | clinicaltrials.gov | Global registry, filters for UK and healthy volunteers |
| WHO Trial Registry | trialsearch.who.int | Unified portal for global listings |
Official databases like the NIHR and ClinicalTrials.gov include a wider range of studies. However, not all are paid. Some only offer travel reimbursement, particularly in publicly funded trials. Those motivated by compensation should prioritise trials with commercial sponsors, often large pharmaceutical firms.
When using these platforms, always check if the trial accepts healthy volunteers and carefully read the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Many studies have restrictions based on BMI, smoking habits, and medical history.
What Determines How Much You Get Paid?
Clinical trial payments vary widely, from modest reimbursements to five-figure sums. Understanding the factors that drive this range helps set realistic expectations and can inform better choices about which trials are worth pursuing.
Factors That Influence Compensation
| Factor | Impact on Payment | Example |
| Trial Duration | Longer trials involve more time away from normal life, increasing payment. | A 30-day residential stay pays significantly more than a one-day outpatient visit. |
| Invasiveness of Procedures | More complex procedures such as biopsies or scans yield higher compensation. | PET scans or lumbar punctures attract higher rates than basic blood tests. |
| Residential Commitment | Being confined to a clinic facility justifies premium pay. | Quotient Sciences pays from £200 per night during extended stays. |
| Follow-Up Requirements | Additional outpatient visits after the main study increase total pay. | HMR studies include follow-up appointments as part of the pay structure. |
| Risk Profile | Early-phase trials with less human data carry higher perceived risk. | Phase 1 trials for healthy volunteers often pay the most. |
| Lifestyle Restrictions | Trials involving dietary control or activity limitations offer extra pay. | Trials requiring alcohol abstinence or controlled diets pay more. |
| Sponsor Funding and Location | Big pharma trials or city-based studies often pay more. | London-based trials may offer better compensation than regional equivalents. |
In many cases, these factors intersect. A long-duration, Phase 1 trial involving residential stays and intensive procedures may offer £9,000 or more. The trials listed earlier all meet these criteria, hence the high compensation figures.
Importantly, UK research ethics committees monitor payment levels to ensure fairness and prevent undue inducement. Payments must reflect time and burden, not encourage participants to overlook potential risks.
Who Can Take Part in These Trials?
Paid trials in the UK do not simply accept anyone who feels healthy. Each study has a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria designed to ensure participant safety and research accuracy.
General Eligibility for Healthy Volunteers
| Criterion | Typical Requirement | Additional Notes |
| Age | 18 to 65 | Some studies seek 65+ (e.g., Fortrea) |
| BMI | Typically 18.5 to 32, or 30 to 40 | Varies with drug metabolism needs |
| Smoking Status | Often non-smokers or former smokers | Three to twelve month non-smoking history may be required |
| Medication Use | No regular prescriptions | Exceptions for HRT or other stable therapies |
| Alcohol Use | Moderate consumption allowed | Must abstain before screening and during stay |
| Medical History | No chronic conditions | Includes restrictions like no Gilbert’s syndrome |
| Contraception | Strict use required | Often extends beyond trial completion |
| GP Registration | Required | Enables access to medical records if needed |
| Trial Participation History | Three-month gap typically required | Ensures washout of any prior medication |
These standards may seem demanding, but they reflect a commitment to volunteer safety and data reliability. For example, individuals who regularly take medication or have chronic conditions may introduce variables that complicate analysis. Similarly, people in financial difficulty may be discouraged if the incentive is deemed too high compared to potential risks.
What Does Participation Involve?
Taking part in a clinical trial is a structured experience with multiple stages. Understanding this journey helps ensure informed consent and makes the process smoother.
Step-by-Step: The Clinical Trial Experience
| Stage | Activities | Volunteer Tips |
| Initial Enquiry | Online or phone-based application, basic questions | Answer honestly and ask for full details |
| Screening Appointment | Medical history review, blood tests, ECG, urine samples | Follow all pre-visit rules (e.g., fasting, no alcohol) |
| Informed Consent | Review Participant Information Sheet and ask questions | Read every section, especially on risks and compensation |
| Residential Stay | Receive study drug, monitoring, meals, recreation time | Bring personal items, follow clinic rules strictly |
| Outpatient Visits | Return for follow-ups, sample collection, check-ups | Arrive on time, follow any instructions between visits |
| Post-Trial Monitoring | Safety calls, final blood tests or physicals | Maintain contraception and report any side effects |
| Payment | Often paid by bank transfer after final visit | Record for personal accounts or tax reporting if needed |
The most demanding part of the journey is usually the residential stay. Clinics aim to make these as comfortable as possible. Fortrea, for instance, offers games, a TV lounge, quiet workspaces, and outdoor areas. Still, participants must follow strict rules including dietary restrictions and supervised routines.
Safety, Ethics, and Oversight in UK Trials
Safety is the overriding priority in all clinical trials. In the UK, a stringent regulatory structure ensures that trials are conducted ethically and transparently.
The Role of the MHRA and Ethics Committees
Every clinical trial involving medicines must be approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). In addition, trials undergo review by an independent Research Ethics Committee (REC). These bodies ensure that all protocols are scientifically sound and that the rights and wellbeing of participants are respected.
Recent updates to UK law, introduced in April 2025, now require the public registration of all clinical trials and the publication of results within 12 months. These changes aim to improve transparency and public trust in the research process.
Informed Consent and Participant Autonomy
Participants must receive full details about the trial, including potential risks, before signing up. The Participant Information Sheet (PIS) explains the purpose of the study, what is required, what may happen, and what the participant’s rights are. Signing the consent form is a legal and ethical milestone but can be withdrawn at any time.
Informed consent is not static. Participants must be updated if new information arises during the study and given the opportunity to withdraw if their circumstances change.
Compensation for Adverse Events
If a participant suffers harm as a result of a trial, compensation schemes exist. The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) recommends that healthy volunteers in Phase 1 studies should receive compensation without needing to prove negligence. Participants should always ask whether such provisions apply before committing to a study.
Fun Fact: According to ABPI guidelines, healthy volunteers in Phase 1 trials are entitled to compensation even if no one is found at fault — a rare protection not always present in other areas of healthcare.
Is It Worth Doing a Clinical Trial for Money?
For those who meet eligibility requirements, the answer can be yes — but only with the right expectations. Paid clinical trials can be a legitimate way to earn, especially for students or individuals between jobs. However, the process involves more than just showing up for a quick appointment.
Considerations Before Signing Up
- Read every detail of the PIS and ask questions
- Know your limits on time commitment, overnight stays, and lifestyle adjustments
- Use trusted clinics like those listed earlier
- Track your applications to avoid overlapping trials or washout breaches
- Do not rely on trials as a sole income source due to screening rejections and wait periods
Each study is different, and no outcome is guaranteed. Screening failures are common, and payments only apply once full participation is confirmed and completed.
That said, for those who qualify and can commit, the rewards are real. Participants receive structured care, financial compensation, and a front-row seat in the process of medical innovation. The UK’s regulatory oversight and ethics frameworks make it one of the safest environments in the world for clinical trial participation.
