Can children take part in research?

Yes — and it's important that they can. Many illnesses behave differently in children, so treatments need to be studied in young people to know they're safe and effective.

Trials with children have extra safeguards. A parent or guardian gives permission, and the research team also asks the child to agree in a way they can understand. Children can change their mind at any time.

Studies that include children are reviewed by an ethics committee with specialist experience in paediatric research.