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Research to gain and test knowledge is a critical part of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s work in helping women, girls, and gender-diverse people live full and healthy lives.
On this page you can find opportunities to be involved in research conducted by Jean Hailes partners, as well as some important research studies we are helping to promote.
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Research to gain and test knowledge is a critical part of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s work in helping women, girls, and gender-diverse people live full and healthy lives.
On this page you can find opportunities to be involved in research conducted by Jean Hailes partners, as well as some important research studies we are helping to promote.
What are research studies?
Researchers are always trying to find better ways to help people stay healthy and well. They also want to support people with a disease or health condition to achieve the best possible health outcomes. This means helping reduce the impact of the condition on their quality of life.
Research studies use volunteers to understand how people behave or think, or to carefully test:
- new medicines
- therapies
- products
- devices
- information and education.
All research studies in Australia are strictly controlled to ensure the safety of volunteers.
Researchers need volunteers with a particular disease or health problem. They also need people without the condition, so they can compare both groups.
There are different types of research studies. Some studies might involve simple tasks, including:
- filling in a survey
- taking part in a focus group
- being ‘observed’ while you complete tasks over time.
Other studies, often called ‘clinical trials’, are more involved and require:
- scans
- blood tests
- taking medicines.
Why get involved in research studies?
Being part of a research study is a great way to help improve the health and wellbeing of future generations of women, girls and gender-diverse people.
Your involvement might help improve:
- what information is shared
- how this information is shared
This way, more people can benefit from new knowledge.
If you have a particular disease or health problem, you might also get a direct personal benefit. You might learn more about your own health, such as:
- access to new treatments before they are widely available
- additional support from researchers who really understand your disease or condition.
Choosing to join a study is a personal decision. Before you join a study, learn about:
- what you will be asked to do
- how much time this might take
- any possible risks and benefits.
Researchers can provide you with a ‘plain language explanation’ of the study, which will help you with your decision.
We only do studies that have received ethics approval from their relevant Human Research Ethics Committee.
Human Research Ethics Committees review research studies involving human participants to ensure that they are ethically acceptable.
For more information (and to search for all clinical trials seeking volunteers), please visit Australian Clinical Trials.
The Join Us register
To make it easier for you to get involved in medical and health research that matters to you, we’ve teamed up with Join Us. The national non-profit register matches people aged 18 or over with relevant research opportunities.
There is no cost and no obligation to join. For each person who registers via our link, Join Us will donate $15 to Jean Hailes.
Learn more and sign up
Current research studies
Researchers at Monash University are inviting women aged 18 to 45 to take part in an online survey about premature ovarian insufficiency (POI; the loss of ovarian function before age 40) and early menopause (EM; menopause between ages 40 and 45). The survey will help the researchers develop a digital tool and resources to predict the risk of POI and EM. Women with or without a diagnosis of POI or EM are encouraged to take part and share their experiences. The aim of this research is to help women understand their personal risk, support earlier diagnosis, and improve care and support for those at risk of or living with POI or EM.
This study has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 50056).
Researchers at Swinburne University of Technology are looking for women to take part in a 30 to 45-minute online interview to share their views on the pre-pregnancy period. The discussion will focus on eating and activity habits, and what supports might be helpful during this time. They are looking for women aged 20 years or older who live in Australia and have not been pregnant before but are considering a pregnancy in the next 12 months. Findings from this study will help shape future pre-pregnancy support that meets women’s needs.
This study has been approved by the Swinburne University of Technology Human Research Ethics Committee (reference number: 20269287-23238).
Register your interest for this study.
Researchers from the University of Sydney are inviting midlife women to participate in a study looking at how menopause-related changes in sleep, cognition, hormones, and mental health may relate to brain health in midlife women. The study is open to women aged 40 to 55 who are experiencing perimenopause or early postmenopause, have noticed symptoms such as sleep disturbance, mood changes, hot flushes, or “brain fog”, live in Australia, and are proficient in English. The results will provide insight into how the menopause transition may influence later-life brain health and Alzheimer’s disease risk. Eligible participants will be invited to complete questionnaires, cognitive assessments, blood tests, and sleep assessments.
Human research ethics approval: University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref. Number: 2025/HE000844).
Researchers at Deakin University are looking for people with an endometriosis diagnosis to participate in a clinical trial exploring whether an online modular supportive care program can improve outcomes such as quality of life, pain, and mental health. The program includes 9 research-informed modules (endometriosis education, mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, yoga, physiotherapy, dietary education, and relaxation training). Participants must be living in Australia, proficient in English, not pregnant, experiencing some psychological distress, and not have had endometriosis-related surgery in the last 3 months. If the program is shown to be effective, it will be made available more broadly to provide holistic, self-directed, online supportive care for people with endometriosis.
This clinical trial has received ethics approval from Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (2024-157).
Researchers at Macquarie University are conducting a study to explore the healthcare experiences of people living with chronic physical health conditions. They are looking for women aged 18 years or older who live with a chronic physical health condition and have sought care from a healthcare professional. The study involves a 15–20 minute online survey. Findings from this research will help improve understanding of how healthcare systems recognise and respond to people living with complex and often poorly recognised conditions.
This research has been approved by the Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC Approval No. 520262034167529).
Researchers at Monash University want to understand why you would or would not want to donate your menstrual blood for research. They’re recruiting women and menstruating persons aged 18 or over who currently menstruate, or may menstruate again in the future, to do a 10 minute online survey. The findings will be used to inform future menstrual research, making it more accessible and comfortable. This study has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC); ID 49566.
Researchers from Deakin University are conducting an online survey to better understand the sexual behaviours and experiences of Australian adults, including the use of sex as a way to self-injure. The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. The survey is open to people who live in Australia and are over 18 years of age, and the researchers encourage the participation of members of minority groups. The findings will be used to identify risk factors for self-injury, and to inform supports for people experiencing harm associated with sexual behaviours.
This study has been approved by the Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee – 2025/HE001239.
Researchers from Deakin University are investigating whether omega-3 supplementation can reduce menstrual pain and improve exercise performance. The study is open to women:
- aged 18-45 years
- naturally menstruating (e.g., regular cycle length of 21-35 days, not using hormonal contraceptives)
- able to run 5km continuously and exercising ≥ 2.5hs per week
- experience menstrual pain
- consume oily fish less than twice a week.
This research will improve understanding of the effectiveness of omega-3 at reducing menstrual pain and impact on running performance and participation.
This study has been approved by Deakin University Human Research Ethics Committee (Ethics approval number:2025/HE000394).
Researchers at Griffith University are conducting an online longitudinal study to explore what people with endometriosis eat, the nutrition support they receive, and how this relates to symptoms and wellbeing in the first year after diagnosis. They are looking for women aged 15 years or older, living in Australia, who have been diagnosed with endometriosis within the last 3 months. Results are expected to establish the foundations for a future, long-term study that can better capture the impact of nutrition on symptoms, wellbeing, and quality of life for individuals with endo and inform the development of a structured, evidence-based model of care for healthcare professionals.
Griffith University Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref: 2025/815).
Researchers at Victoria University are inviting women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to take part in a study exploring:
- how home-based and lab-based HIIT can impact physical and mental health.
This study is open to women:
- aged 18–45 years
- who have been diagnosed with PCOS
- are premenopausal
- have a BMI above 25 kg/m²
- are not pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications that affect insulin or metabolism.
The study involves:
- a 12-week supervised exercise program (conducted either at home via Zoom or in the lab at Footscray Park campus)
- health assessments before and after the program.
Participants will also be invited to take part in focus group discussions to share their experiences.
Learn more and register your interest
This research has been approved by the Victoria University Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref: HRE24-090) and is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12624001236583).
Researchers from the University of Melbourne are comparing two proven treatments for IBS in an online clinical trial:
- a dietary treatment
- a psychological treatment.
They are seeking women in Australia who:
- are aged 18 and over
- who have been diagnosed with IBS.
Findings will help tailor treatment recommendations for IBS based on individual symptom profiles.
Learn more and register your interest
Ethics approval: University of Melbourne Human Ethics Committee, Project ID 33186.
Researchers from UNSW Sydney are investigating potential blood-based biomarkers for the early detection of endometriosis.
They are looking for people who:
- are willing to have blood samples taken at two separate appointments at the Lowy Cancer Research Centre in Sydney.
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- are over 18 years old
- menstruate
- have a confirmed diagnosis of endometriosis.
The findings from the study could be used to aid in the development of a diagnostic tool for this condition.
If you’re interested in participating, please send an email.
Human research ethics approval: UNSW Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: iRECS3106).
Researchers from Macquarie University invite you to participate in a study to help us understand:
- how endometriosis impacts you and your relationships
This way we can improve support for the people living with it.
The anonymous survey is open to anyone who:
- has endometriosis diagnosed by a doctor
- is 18 years or over
- has internet access
- lives in Australia
- is proficient in English.
Human research ethics approval: Macquarie University Human Research Ethics Committee (Ref. Number: 520241705656021).
Researchers are comparing an online mindfulness-based intervention for insomnia with a sleep hygiene program. This will help to:
- determine whether such interventions are a helpful way to overcome some of the barriers to accessing sleep treatments for older adults.
You might be eligible to participate if you are a woman:
- over 55 years
- residing in Australia
- you experiencing difficulties with going to sleep
- waking up at night or waking up early in the morning.
You must have stable access to the internet and a computer, and you must be willing to complete an online sleep intervention program.
By participating in the study, you will receive access to a self-paced online insomnia treatment program at no cost (normally $495).
Learn more and register your interest
Human research ethics approval: Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (#38104).
Researchers are looking for women:
- aged 18 to 45 years
- who are currently trying to conceive a baby
- or have tried in the past 6months.
The study aims to explore the pre-pregnancy diets of people with and without endometriosis.
Participants will receive:
- a free nutrition analysis summary
- a 15-minute session with a fertility dietitian to ask any nutrition questions.
Human research ethics approval: Monash University Ethics Committee (40311).
Researchers from Western Sydney University are looking for people with endometriosis to participate in a clinical trial testing:
- two types of medicinal cannabis products on the symptoms of endometriosis.
You may be eligible to participate if you are:
- aged over 18
- live in New South Wales
- have a diagnosis of endometriosis.
Human research ethics approval: Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee (H15755).
Researchers at the University of Melbourne are looking for people who:
- have had surgery to treat gynaecological cancer and now experience urinary incontinence.
The study aims to test new treatments that may improve urinary incontinence after treatment for gynaecological cancer.
Human research ethics approval: Monash Health HREC (RES-21-0000-626A).
Researchers at the Alfred Psychiatry research centre are running a clinical trial comparing the efficacy of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and antidepressants in treating menopausal depression. They are looking for women aged 40-65 who are experiencing depressive symptoms and not currently receiving hormonal or antidepressant treatment. The findings will be used to advocate for broader recognition of menopausal depression and education on targeted treatment approaches.
Alfred Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee HREC/107133/Alfred-2024 (Local Reference: Project 184/24).
Researchers at Monash University are conducting an online survey to investigate access to family planning information and care by South Asian migrant women in Australia. You are eligible to participate if you are a woman, aged 18-49 years, were born in India, Nepal, Pakistan or Sri Lanka and are proficient in English. Your answers will be anonymous and will help the researchers understand the methods of family planning used, and the barriers and enablers to family planning access.
This study has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID: 47020).
Review process
Our review process
This information has been reviewed by clinical experts and is based on the latest evidence.
Our content review process ensures our health information is accurate, trustworthy, current and useful.
We regularly check our information to make sure it reflects the latest clinical guidelines and key findings from large, reliable studies.
Where possible, we focus on Australian research to make our information more relevant locally.
Experts play a key role in reviewing our content. Clinicians at Jean Hailes check information for accuracy and real‑world relevance. These include GPs, gynaecologists, endocrinologists, psychologists and allied health professionals.
We also work with partner organisations, independent specialists and people with lived experience to make sure our content reflects both expert knowledge and the experiences of the community.
