Maine Medical Center

Research & Clinical Trials

MaineHealth supports research and clinical trials throughout its health care system. The MaineHealth Institute for Research conducts cutting-edge biomedical research that provides advanced treatment options for MaineHealth patients.

MaineHealth Institute for Research

The MaineHealth Institute for Research (MHIR) is home to world-class scientists working on advanced biomedical problems. MHIR brings new treatments to MaineHealth patients, and the world, through a broad spectrum of research and clinical trials. Learn more

Successful medical research is a complex process requiring close collaboration of basic scientists, physicians, epidemiologists and data analysts, state-of-the-art instruments, and resources to protect clinical trial participants.

MaineHealth Office of Research Ethics and Compliance

The MaineHealth Office of Research Ethics and Compliance is responsible for providing training and support to MaineHealth clinicians, faculty and staff regarding regulatory requirements for scientific research. We seek to promote and ensure the highest standards for research compliance throughout the MaineHealth system. Learn more.

MaineHealth Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The MaineHealth Institutional Review Board (IRB) ensures that ethical and safe research practices are used when research is conducted with Human Subjects. All MaineHealth research projects involving human subjects, regardless of the source of funding, require IRB review and approval prior to implementation. Learn more.

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Provider feedback and questions

Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is a research study that helps scientists and doctors discover better ways to treat diseases. In a clinical trial, people try new treatments targeted at specific diseases. Researchers learn how well the experimental treatment works.

The MaineHealth Clinical Trials Office is dedicated to providing high quality clinical trials in accordance with Maine Health’s mission to care for our community, educate tomorrow’s caregivers and researching new ways to provide care.

MaineHealth is strongly committed to protecting the interests of patients who volunteer to participate in clinical trials. Before joining a clinical trial, patients should consult their doctor and gather as much information as possible about the trial. Through clinical trials, eligible patients:

• May get a new treatment for a disease before it is available to everyone.
• Play a more active role in their own health care.
• May be provided with medical care and more frequent health check-ups as part of the study treatment.
• May have the chance to help others get a better treatment for their health problems in the future.
• May have access to information about support groups and resources.

Looking for a clinical trial?

Access to new disease-fighting drugs and therapies may offer hope when standard treatments have not worked. If you are a provider or patient interested in learning more about clinical trials, visit:

Latest News

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MHIR Vector-Borne Disease Lab Showcases Research During Lyme Disease Awareness Month

Scientists at MHIR are studying tick-borne illnesses and how climate change is increasing the number of ticks in Maine.

O'Rourke Receives Daisy Award for Exceptional Patient Care

Katie O’Rourke, RN (Registered Nurse), started her shift on April 10 at Memorial Hospital as she does any day. She learned about her patients from the nightshift and created a mental list of the sort of care her patients would need that day.

Maine Track Celebration Honors Class of 2024

This marks the 16th year of the Maine Track partnership between Maine Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine

Pen Bay Emergency Department Recognized for Pediatric Readiness

State EMS Director Wil O’Neal, Maine Emergency Services Director, will formally recognize Pen Bay Medical Center as a Pediatric Innovator during a ceremony in front of the hospital’s emergency department entrance on Tuesday, May 7, at 11 am. This event is free and open to the public.