General Clinical Research Unit (GCRU)
The GCRU's research pause has been lifted. Please find below our most recent
updates and/or expectations regarding study visits conducted at the GCRU. 
  • COVID testing results are needed for participants coming from outside of Massachusetts, whether they have been vaccinated or not. COVID testing within 72 hours of their visit at the GCRU. Proof of negative test results must be shown to study staff and confirmed by GCRU Nursing staff prior to the visit. Participants can check with their city, town, or state government to find a location that offers free testing.
  • For your safety, the GCRU will initially provide all study personnel with a reusable KN95 mask and a face shield. Thereafter, study teams will be responsible for supplying their own. All coordinators/research assistants are required to wear an N95/KN95 mask and a face shield when in a room with a participant.
  • Upon arrival and/or check-in to the GCRU, all participants will be provided with and required to wear a surgical mask.
  • Only the number of people listed on the door signage is allowed in the rooms. While most GCRU rooms allow up to three occupants, if you require an additional room for a study visit, please note it in the comments box when you submit the scheduling request. 
  • Only GCRU staff are allowed in the snack or coffee area. Ask any GRCU staff for assistance! 
  • No standing in the halls or at the front desk. Sitting areas are limited, so please inquire at the front desk or screening area if you need one.



This communication applies to clinical research occurring at Boston Medical Center, including BU Principal Investigators performing research within BMC clinical space. BU or BMC lab space or non-clinical research should still go through applicable departmental review and approval to host research staff safely. Read more


Special Announcement
Ridiane Denis, Director of Clinical Research & Operations at the General Clinical Research Unit, is one of three recipients of the 2021 John F. Perkins Award for Distinguished Service. Congratulations on this great accomplishment and well-deserved recognition for her crucial contributions to COVID-19 clinical research at BMC and BU over the past year. Read more on BU TODAY
The GCRU Supports the Accelerating COVID-19 Therapeutic Interventions
and Vaccines (ACTIV) and the Pfizer Vaccine Trials 
‌
ACTIV ProgramTrials
‌
ACTIV-1
Drs. Benjamin Linas & Jai Marathe
Currently, most of the 18 participants enrolled have completed the study.
ACTIV-2
Drs. Michael Paasche-Orlow & Julien Dedier
11 participants enrolled.
ACTIV-4A
Dr. Naomi Hamburg
Assisted with implementation & the recruitment of 5 participants. Positive treatment outcome
ACTIV-4B
Dr. Naomi Hamburg
This study will be soon implemented.
ACTIV-5
Drs. Melinda Tonelli & Nabila Azad 
This study will be implemented soon.

Click here to learn more about Accelerating
COVID-19 Therapeutic Intervention and Vaccines (ACTIV)
‌

Pfizer Vaccine Trials
‌
Pfizer Phase-1
Dr. Elizabeth Barnett
This pediatric vaccine study has recruited its target of 11 participants. The first two injection visits have been completed.
Pfizer Phase-2/3
Dr. Elizabeth Barnett
This study has been approved to start in May 2021.
The GCRU continues to support the adult Pfizer follow-up visits.
Among others, our clinical practice assistants are supporting studies from SPH-Epi AWARE, GI clinic, and Pulmonary.
Meet Tori Blot, GCRU COVID Team Member
My name is Tori Blot. I graduated from Holy Cross with
a BA in medical anthropology. I am a clinical research assistant in the General Research Unit on the COVID Implementation Team. My day-to-day duties involve recruitment, sample collection, sample transport, running study visits, and data entry. I do administrative support tasks as well as aiding with clinical and laboratory support. There are multiple amazing COIVD-19 Studies active in the GCRU. It is a dynamic environment where I have learned much and gained skills. I am very fortunate to be part of such a well-put-together team of researchers.
Research Job Connection
The BU CTSI's Research Job Connection (RJC) features a pool of research professionals from across BU and BMC who are interested in working additional hours to supplement their income, or in finding a new position as a Research Coordinator or Research Assistant.

If you are interested in being matched with Investigators or Study Teams looking
for qualified Research Professionals, please register here

Boston University Clinical Translational Science Institute:
General Clinical Research Unit