Participate in Research at the CNRC
Help Advance Nutrition and Health Research for Children and Families
Volunteers make it happen. Nearly 13,000 Houston-area families have participated in CNRC research studies, helping advance knowledge that improves the health and nutritional well-being of children and families worldwide.
The USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center (CNRC) conducts research to better understand how nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors influence health across the lifespan. By participating in research, you can help contribute to discoveries that benefit current and future generations.
Research volunteers play an essential role in advancing science and improving health outcomes. Participation is always voluntary.
Participation may provide opportunities to:
- Support research that improves child and family health
- Contribute to scientific discoveries that benefit future generations
- Learn about ongoing nutrition and health research
- Help researchers better understand factors that influence health and well-being
- Receive compensation when offered by individual studies
Interested in learning about future studies?
The Volunteer Participant Registry (VPR) allows individuals and families to indicate their interest in being contacted about current and future research opportunities for which they may be eligible.
Joining the registry does not obligate you to participate in any study.
Benefits of Joining:
- Learn about studies that may be a good fit for you or your family
- Receive notifications about future research opportunities
- Connect directly with research teams
- Help advance nutrition and health research
Join the Volunteer Participant Registry.
If you express interest in a study:
- A member of the research team may contact you.
- Eligibility requirements will be explained.
- You will receive information about study activities and expectations.
- You can decide whether participation is right for you or your family.
- Participation is voluntary and may be discontinued at any time.
The CNRC is located at:
1100 Bates Avenue
Houston, Texas 77030
Located in the Texas Medical Center, one block east of Fannin Street and one block north of Holcombe Boulevard.
- Free parking is provided.
- Transportation assistance may be available for some studies.
- Compensation may be available depending on the study.
Participant Rights
Research participation is voluntary.
Your decision to participate or not participate will not affect your medical care, benefits, or services.
Privacy and Confidentiality
The CNRC and Baylor College of Medicine are committed to protecting participant privacy and conducting research according to ethical and regulatory standards.
Research teams follow strict requirements regarding confidentiality and the protection of participant information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Participation is entirely voluntary.
Research teams follow strict privacy and confidentiality requirements to protect participant information.
Yes. Participants may withdraw from a study at any time.
Some studies are specifically designed for children and families. Eligibility requirements vary by study.
Compensation may be available depending on the study.
Requirements vary by study. The research team will explain any eligibility criteria during screening.
Our team is happy to help you learn more about research participation opportunities.
Email: RecruitCoreCNRC@bcm.edu
Research Opportunities by Age/Stage
The CNRC conducts studies focused on a variety of topics, including:
- Infant, child, and adolescent development
- Nutrition and dietary behaviors
- Maternal and family health
- Physical activity and wellness
- Community and population health
Infants and Toddlers (0-2 years)
Toddler Fruit and Veggie Pouch Study
Seeking toddlers ages 24-30 months to test out a rapid measurement of fruit and vegetable intake.
Baylor Infant and Toddler Biomarker of Nutrition Study (BITBONS)
Seeking infants 4 months and younger for a study of whether an optical skin measurement can tell us what infants and toddlers eat.
The Metabolomic Investigation of Nutrition and Development in Toddlers Study (MIND: Toddlers)
Seeking toddlers ages 12-30 months to participate in a study exploring how diet impacts the brain development of toddlers.
Preschoolers (3-5 years)
Technology Effects on Child Health (TECH) Study
Seeking children 3-4 years old for a study examining screen media use effects on children’s sleep, growth, learning, memory, problem-solving, and development.
The Energy and Screens Study
We are inviting families to measure how screen vs. non-screen activities may impact energy use and sleep in 3–5 year old kids.
The CHEF-ED Study
For parents of 3-5 year olds interested in learning more about healthful cooking.
School-aged children (6-12 years)
SCREENS Study
We are recruiting families with children aged 8 to 11 years old to help us learn about children’s screen use, sleep, cognitive skills, and emotion regulation.
Pain Management Strategy for Children with Functional Gastrointestinal Pain Disorders
Children 7-12 years of age with chronic belly pain are needed for a research study. The study will find out if a few simple tests will tell us which treatment will be most effective.
A Pediatric Gastroparesis Registry
Slow stomach emptying can cause belly pain, nausea and vomiting. This study will learn how slow stomach emptying affects children and how we might treat it.
Children and Adolescents (9-14 years)
DISCOVERY study
This large NIIH funded study aims to identify risk factors for youth-onset type 2 diabetes to improve prevention and treatment
Adolescents and Young Adults (12-25 years)
Prediabetes Physical Activity and Stopping evening Snacking (H-56321)
PASS-56321 is an eight-week, randomized, clinical research study that aims to explore the benefits of increasing Physical Activity and Stopping evening Snacks on youth with prediabetes!
FIT24: Using Technology to improve activity and sleep in Hispanic youth
Hispanic adolescents (14-16 years) are needed for a study of healthy lifestyle goal setting and attainment.
Arginine Metabolism in Pediatric Type 2 Diabetes (ARMET)
Seeking 12-20 year olds with and without Type 2 diabetes for a study of how a nutrient, arginine, impacts health during type 2 diabetes.
A Pediatric Gastroparesis Registry
Slow stomach emptying can cause belly pain, nausea and vomiting. This study will learn how slow stomach emptying affects children and how we might treat it.
Teen Talk Study
Recruiting teens and parents living in rural communities to help us develop a digital obesity prevention program.
Healthy Sleep Study
This study looks at the relationship of sleep habits and sleep quality in youth with their bone health and factors that may influence this relationship such as nutrition, physical activity and hormones.