Wellstar Research Institute

Image of scientist looking through microscope

About Us

A Mission for Innovation

At the heart of our work is a commitment to transforming health care through innovative, patient-centered research that improves outcomes and shapes the future of medicine. Our mission is to advance discovery and expand access to clinical trials by engaging our diverse patient communities and building strategic partnerships that drive meaningful change. Guided by our core values—Innovation for Impact, Diversity as Strength, Collaboration and Partnership, Excellence and Integrity and a steadfast Patient-Centered Focus—we strive to deliver solutions that redefine the standard of care and enhance the health and healing of all patients.

At the Wellstar Research Institute, we are committed to advancing innovative, patient-centered research that improves health outcomes and shapes the future of care. Our current areas of focus reflect the most pressing health needs of our communities, with dedicated research in:

Cardiovascular Health
Oncology
Neurosciences
Trauma

Through these key areas, we are driving discovery, improving treatments, and bringing new hope to patients and families.

Academic Partnerships

At Wellstar Research Institute (WRI), we believe that collaboration is the cornerstone of innovation in healthcare. Our academic partnerships are designed to bridge scientific discovery, clinical expertise, and real world impact. We are proud to work alongside academic institutions to advance research, foster interdisciplinary learning and develop the next generation of clinician-scientists.

Strategic Collaborations Driving Innovation

Our academic partnerships enhance the scope, quality and translational impact of our research. These relationships support shared goals in biomedical discovery, health equity, education and workforce development.

Premiere Research Partners

Augusta University

As a strategic academic partner, Augusta University produces a range of collaborative research initiatives with Wellstar. Augusta University executes over 400 clinical trials at Wellstar MCG Health Medical Center previously known as Augusta Hospital and Medical Center.

Kennesaw State University (KSU)

WRI and KSU are primed to collaborate on interdisciplinary research and innovation, including joint projects in public health, data analytics, nursing, and community-based interventions. Our partnership strengthens academic-practice integration, and fosters opportunities for faculty and student engagement in clinical research.

Georgia State University (GSU)

Through our partnership with GSU, we have opportunities to focus on public health, epidemiology, and social determinants of health. The collaboration has paved the way for joint efforts in grant funded research, health equity and health literacy initiatives, and a range of other nursing focused areas of shared interest.

Mercer University

We have expanded our longstanding clinical partnership with Mercer University to include academic practice research, laying the groundwork for future joint research initiatives.

Advancing Knowledge Through Collaboration

Through these strategic academic alliances, WRI is building a robust, multidisciplinary research ecosystem that fuels discovery, improves patient outcomes, and prepares future leaders in healthcare. Interested in exploring academic collaborations?
Submit a Collaboration Inquiry Form

Sponsors & Industry Partnerships

WRI has extensive experience conducting industry-sponsored trials across all phases (Phase I–IV). Our integrated clinical infrastructure, experienced study teams and access to a diverse patient population help sponsors meet enrollment goals and generate high-quality, generalizable data.

Capabilities & services

Full-service study start-up and site activation
Regulatory and IRB coordination
Recruitment, enrollment and retention strategies tailored to diverse populations
Data management, monitoring and high-quality source documentation
Post-marketing and real-world evidence studies

Why partner with WRI

Proven enrollment performance
Broad geographic reach within Wellstar Health System
Robust regulatory and compliance oversight
Commitment to ethical, patient-centered research

For Participants

What to know about clinical research?

The Basics | National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Participating in clinical research

Participating in Human Research and Clinical Trials | HHS.gov

What to Expect When Participating in Clinical Research

If your doctor thinks you may be a good fit for a research study, they may talk with you about the opportunity to participate. Joining a clinical study is always your choice, and our goal is to make sure you have all the information you need to feel comfortable and confident about your decision.

Talking with Your Doctor

Your doctor may refer you to a clinical study if it’s related to your condition or care. They’ll explain why the study might be a good option for you and connect you with our research team for more information.

Meeting the Research Team

Once referred, you’ll meet with a research nurse or study coordinator—a member of our team who will guide you through every step of the process. They’ll answer your questions, schedule your study visits, and make sure you understand what will happen at each visit. You’ll see this same team regularly throughout the study.

Informed Consent

Before you decide whether to join a study, you’ll review and sign a document called informed consent. This is not just paperwork—it’s a conversation. The research team will explain:

The purpose of the study
What procedures or tests are involved
How long the study lasts
Any possible risks or benefits
Your rights as a participant, including the option to stop at any time

You’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and discuss the study with your family or doctor before signing.

During the Study

Throughout your participation, you’ll work closely with the research team at each visit. They’ll monitor your health, collect information, and keep your doctor updated on your progress.

Costs and Billing

Some of the care you receive during the study—such as doctor visits, lab tests, or medications you would have gotten anyway—are part of standard medical care and may be billed to your insurance. Other activities that are only for research purposes—like special study tests or extra visits—will be paid for by the study sponsor, not you.

Our team will review this information with you in detail before you decide to join, so there are no surprises about costs or billing.

Institutional Review Board

The Wellstar Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews research involving human subjects to ensure the protection of participants and compliance with federal and institutional standards. The IRB follows the principles of the Belmont Report and requires appropriate training and documentation for investigators.

Who should submit

Residents, fellows, medical students, investigator-initiated trials and collaborative research partners

Submission materials

IRB initial submission application
Study protocol (link to template)
Informed consent form (link to template)
HIPAA authorization or waiver requests
Recruitment materials and CVs

Training requirement

CITI Human Subjects Research and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) — recertification every 3 years