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Minnesota punches far above its weight in clinical research. As of July 2026, 2,065 studies are actively recruiting volunteers in the state, according to ClinicalTrials.gov — anchored by Mayo Clinic in Rochester and the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities.
Most studies compensate volunteers for time and travel, and many also cover parking, meals, or childcare during visits.
Quick Facts: Paid Clinical Trials in Minnesota
- Actively recruiting studies (July 2026): 2,065 (ClinicalTrials.gov)
- Where they run: Mayo Clinic in Rochester leads by a wide margin, followed by the University of Minnesota; the Twin Cities hospital networks and Essentia Health in Duluth round out the map
- Typical compensation: $50–$100 per completed outpatient visit; residential Phase 1 studies pay more (see highest paid clinical trials)
- Cost to participate: $0 — study care and visits are covered by the sponsor
- State quirk: Minnesota law requires separate written authorization before your medical records can be used for research
What’s being studied in Minnesota right now
We sampled 1,000 recruiting Minnesota studies on ClinicalTrials.gov in July 2026. The most active sites and most-studied conditions:
| Most active research sites | Most-studied conditions |
|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic, Rochester (390 site listings) | Breast and ovarian cancer |
| University of Minnesota (140) | Multiple myeloma and leukemias |
| Regions Hospital, St. Paul (61) | Heart failure |
| Park Nicollet Clinic, St. Louis Park (55) | Obesity |
| Essentia Health Cancer Center, Duluth (42) | Healthy volunteer studies |
Minnesota’s trial mix leans heavily toward cancer research, a reflection of Mayo’s comprehensive cancer center. If you are a healthy volunteer, studies are concentrated in Rochester and the Twin Cities.
Clinical Trials For Disease Areas in Minnesota
Many research studies in Minnesota are aimed at evaluating surgical, medical, and behavioral interventions. They are the main ways experts find new drugs, treatments, diets, or medical devices to be effective and safe.
To improve patient care, clinical research trials in Minnesota are designed to uncover groundbreaking treatments for all sorts of diseases. That includes those in the realm of oncology, neurological disorders, cardiac health, diabetes, mental health, HIV and more.
For example, a large clinical trial from the University of Minnesota Medical School helped discover that the drugs liraglutide and insulin glargine provided superior results in treating type 2 diabetes. Patients who took the drugs kept their blood sugar within a healthy range for the longest time, compared to other drug combinations.
Here is a list of some of the trials available in your local area.
Consent for Use of Stored Patient Specimens for Future Testing
Recruiting
The purpose of this study is to obtain informed consent to use stored human biological materials (HBM) (e.g., blood and other tissues) for future studies that may include genetic testing.
The purpose of this study is to obtain informed consent to use stored human biological materials (HBM) (e.g., blood and other tissues) for future studies that may include genetic testing. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
All
Trial Updated:
09/20/2024
Locations: Univ of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Univ of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Conditions: HIV Infections
TrialNet Pathway to Prevention of T1D
Recruiting
Rationale:
The accrual of data from the laboratory and from epidemiologic and prevention trials has improved the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Genetic and immunologic factors play a key role in the development of T1DM, and characterization of the early metabolic abnormalities in T1DM is steadily increasing. However, information regarding the natural history of T1DM remains incomplete. The TrialNet Natural History Study of the Development of T... Read More
Rationale:
The accrual of data from the laboratory and from epidemiologic and prevention trials has improved the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Genetic and immunologic factors play a key role in the development of T1DM, and characterization of the early metabolic abnormalities in T1DM is steadily increasing. However, information regarding the natural history of T1DM remains incomplete. The TrialNet Natural History Study of the Development of T1DM (Pathway to Prevention Study) has been designed to clarify this picture, and in so doing, will contribute to the development and implementation of studies aimed at prevention of and early treatment in T1DM.
Purpose:
TrialNet is an international network dedicated to the study, prevention, and early treatment of type 1 diabetes. TrialNet sites are located throughout the United States, Canada, Finland, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Sweden, Australia, and New Zealand. TrialNet is dedicated to testing new approaches to the prevention of and early intervention for type 1 diabetes.
The goal of the TrialNet Natural History Study of the Development of Type 1 Diabetes is to enhance our understanding of the demographic, immunologic, and metabolic characteristics of individuals at risk for developing type 1 diabetes.
The Natural History Study will screen relatives of people with type 1 diabetes to identify those at risk for developing the disease. Relatives of people with type 1 diabetes have about a 5% percent chance of being positive for the antibodies associated with diabetes. TrialNet will identify adults and children at risk for developing diabetes by testing for the presence of these antibodies in the blood. A positive antibody test is an early indication that damage to insulin-secreting cells may have begun. If this test is positive, additional testing will be offered to determine the likelihood that a person may develop diabetes. Individuals with antibodies will be offered the opportunity for further testing to determine their risk of developing diabetes over the next 5 years and to receive close monitoring for the development of diabetes. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
Between 2 years and 45 years
Trial Updated:
06/30/2025
Locations: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Conditions: Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1
Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) Registry
Recruiting
The Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) Registry is an ongoing, observational database that tracks the outcomes of patients with MPS I. The data collected by the MPS I Registry will provide information to better characterize the natural history and progression of MPS I as well as the clinical responses of patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy, such as Aldurazyme (Recombinant Human Alpha-L-Iduronidase), or other treatment modalities.
The objectives of the Registry are:
* To evaluate the lon... Read More
The Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) Registry is an ongoing, observational database that tracks the outcomes of patients with MPS I. The data collected by the MPS I Registry will provide information to better characterize the natural history and progression of MPS I as well as the clinical responses of patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy, such as Aldurazyme (Recombinant Human Alpha-L-Iduronidase), or other treatment modalities.
The objectives of the Registry are:
* To evaluate the long-term effectiveness and safety of Aldurazyme® (laronidase)
* To characterize and describe the MPS I population as a whole, including the variability, progression, and natural history of MPS I
* To help the MPS I medical community with the development of recommendations for monitoring patients and reports on patient outcomes to optimize patient care Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
All
Trial Updated:
11/19/2024
Locations: Children's Health Care- Site Number : 840114, Minneapolis, Minnesota +1 locations
Children's Health Care- Site Number : 840114, Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Minnesota Medical Center Pediatrics- Site Number : 840076, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Conditions: Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I)
Fabry Disease Registry & Pregnancy Sub-registry
Recruiting
The Fabry Registry is an ongoing, international multi-center, strictly observational program that tracks the routine clinical outcomes for patients with Fabry disease, irrespective of treatment status. No experimental intervention is involved; patients in the Registry undergo clinical assessments and receive care as determined by the patient's treating physician.
The primary objectives of the Registry are:
* To enhance the understanding of the variability, progression, and natural history of F... Read More
The Fabry Registry is an ongoing, international multi-center, strictly observational program that tracks the routine clinical outcomes for patients with Fabry disease, irrespective of treatment status. No experimental intervention is involved; patients in the Registry undergo clinical assessments and receive care as determined by the patient's treating physician.
The primary objectives of the Registry are:
* To enhance the understanding of the variability, progression, and natural history of Fabry disease, including heterozygous females with the disease;
* To assist the Fabry medical community with the development of recommendations for monitoring patients and reports on patient outcomes to help optimize patient care;
* To characterize and describe the Fabry population as a whole;
* To evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of Fabrazyme®
Fabry Pregnancy Sub-registry: This Sub-registry is a multicenter, international, longitudinal, observational, and voluntary program designed to track pregnancy outcomes for any pregnant woman enrolled in the Fabry Registry, regardless of whether she is receiving disease-specific therapy (such as enzyme replacement therapy with agalsidase beta) and irrespective of the commercial product with which she may be treated. Data from the Sub-registry are also used to fulfill various global regulatory requirements, to support product development/reimbursement, and for other research and non-research-related purposes. No experimental intervention is given; thus a patient will undergo clinical assessments and receive standard of care treatment as determined by the patient's physician. If a patient consents to this Sub-registry, information about the patient's medical and obstetric history, pregnancy, and birth will be collected, and, if a patient consents to data collection for her infant, data on infant growth through month 36 postpartum will be collected. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
All
Trial Updated:
08/07/2025
Locations: Children's Health Care- Site Number : 840114, Minneapolis, Minnesota +2 locations
Children's Health Care- Site Number : 840114, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota- Site Number : 840046, Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Minnesota Medical Center Pediatrics- Site Number : 840076, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Conditions: Fabry Disease
Pompe Disease Registry Protocol
Recruiting
The Pompe Registry is a global, multicenter, international, longitudinal, observational, and voluntary program for patients with Pompe disease, designed to track the disease's natural history and outcomes in patients, both treated and not. Data from the Registry are also used to fulfill various global regulatory commitments, to support product development/reimbursement, and for other research and non-research related purposes.
The objectives of the Registry are:
* To enhance understanding of t... Read More
The Pompe Registry is a global, multicenter, international, longitudinal, observational, and voluntary program for patients with Pompe disease, designed to track the disease's natural history and outcomes in patients, both treated and not. Data from the Registry are also used to fulfill various global regulatory commitments, to support product development/reimbursement, and for other research and non-research related purposes.
The objectives of the Registry are:
* To enhance understanding of the variability, progression, identification, and natural history of Pompe disease, with the ultimate goal of better guiding and assessing therapeutic intervention.
* To assist the Pompe medical community with the development of recommendations for monitoring patients, and to provide reports on patient outcomes, to optimize patient care.
* To characterize the Pompe disease population.
* To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of alglucosidase alfa. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
All
Trial Updated:
08/06/2025
Locations: Children's Health Care- Site Number : 840114, Minneapolis, Minnesota +3 locations
Children's Health Care- Site Number : 840114, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota- Site Number : 840046, Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Minnesota Medical Center Pediatrics- Site Number : 840035, Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Minnesota Medical Center Pediatrics- Site Number : 840076, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Conditions: Glycogen Storage Disease Type II, Pompe Disease
Longitudinal Study of Urea Cycle Disorders
Recruiting
Urea cycle disorders (UCD) are a group of rare inherited metabolism disorders. Infants and children with UCD commonly experience episodes of vomiting, lethargy, and coma. The purpose of this study is to perform a long-term analysis of a large group of individuals with various UCDs. The study will focus on the natural history, disease progression, treatment, and outcome of individuals with UCD.
Urea cycle disorders (UCD) are a group of rare inherited metabolism disorders. Infants and children with UCD commonly experience episodes of vomiting, lethargy, and coma. The purpose of this study is to perform a long-term analysis of a large group of individuals with various UCDs. The study will focus on the natural history, disease progression, treatment, and outcome of individuals with UCD. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
All
Trial Updated:
02/10/2024
Locations: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Conditions: Brain Diseases, Metabolic, Inborn, Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors, Urea Cycle Disorders
Product Performance Report: Evaluate Long-term Reliability & Performance of Medtronic Marketed Cardiac Therapy Products
Recruiting
The main purpose of the Product Performance Report (formerly referred to as System Longevity Study) is to evaluate long-term performance of Medtronic market-released cardiac rhythm products by analyzing product survival probabilities.
The main purpose of the Product Performance Report (formerly referred to as System Longevity Study) is to evaluate long-term performance of Medtronic market-released cardiac rhythm products by analyzing product survival probabilities. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
All
Trial Updated:
07/29/2025
Locations: Not set, Coon Rapids, Minnesota +5 locations
Not set, Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Not set, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Not set, Robbinsdale, Minnesota
Not set, Rochester, Minnesota
Not set, Saint Cloud, Minnesota
Not set, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Conditions: Arrhythmia, Bradycardia, Heart Failure, Sinus Tachycardia
Genetic Determinants of Barrett's Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Recruiting
The overall objectives of this BETRNet Research Center (RC) are:
1. to conduct a rigorous, integrated spectrum of transdisciplinary human research in Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (ECA)
2. to increase the biological understanding of key observations made by our clinical researchers;
3. to translate knowledge derived from genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptome research to solving clinical dilemmas in detection, prognosis, prevention, and therapy of BE in order to prevent... Read More
The overall objectives of this BETRNet Research Center (RC) are:
1. to conduct a rigorous, integrated spectrum of transdisciplinary human research in Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (ECA)
2. to increase the biological understanding of key observations made by our clinical researchers;
3. to translate knowledge derived from genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptome research to solving clinical dilemmas in detection, prognosis, prevention, and therapy of BE in order to prevent EAC and improve the outcomes of EAC;
4. to foster a transdisciplinary and translation research culture and to effectively expand and enhance scientific research focused on BE and EAC;
5. to evaluate research and transdisciplinary programs and to continuously improve research, productivity and enhance translational implementation. These objectives build and synergize on existing multi-institutional collaborative networks and the considerable clinical, basic science, and translational expertise available at our institutions, focusing on improving the outcomes of patients with BE and EAC. The overarching organization framework for this RC proposal is 1) to focus laboratory research on understanding the genetic susceptibility, genomic and epigenetic changes that influence the development of BE and EAC; and 2) to then translate laboratorydiscoveries into clinical applications for effective detection, molecular risk stratification, and prevention of progression from BE to EAC. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
18 years and above
Trial Updated:
07/16/2025
Locations: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Conditions: Barrett's Esophagus, Esophageal Neoplasm
Longitudinal Study for Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis
Recruiting
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare immune system disorder that causes asthma, an excessive number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood, and the inflammation of blood vessels, or vasculitis. In order to properly treat EGPA, it is critical that the level of disease activity can be determined over the course of the disease. The purpose of this study is to determine new biological markers, or biomarkers, that may be used to assess the severity of this... Read More
Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare immune system disorder that causes asthma, an excessive number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood, and the inflammation of blood vessels, or vasculitis. In order to properly treat EGPA, it is critical that the level of disease activity can be determined over the course of the disease. The purpose of this study is to determine new biological markers, or biomarkers, that may be used to assess the severity of this disease in people with EGPA. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
All
Trial Updated:
05/15/2025
Locations: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Conditions: Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss Syndrome
International Collaborative Gaucher Group (ICGG) Gaucher Disease Registry & Pregnancy Sub-registry
Recruiting
The ICGG Gaucher Registry is an ongoing, international multi-center, strictly observational program that tracks the routine clinical outcomes for patients with Gaucher disease, irrespective of treatment status. No experimental intervention is involved; patients in the Registry undergo clinical assessments and receive care as determined by the patient's treating physician.
The objectives of the Registry are:
* To enhance understanding of the variability, progression, identification, and natural... Read More
The ICGG Gaucher Registry is an ongoing, international multi-center, strictly observational program that tracks the routine clinical outcomes for patients with Gaucher disease, irrespective of treatment status. No experimental intervention is involved; patients in the Registry undergo clinical assessments and receive care as determined by the patient's treating physician.
The objectives of the Registry are:
* To enhance understanding of the variability, progression, identification, and natural history of Gaucher disease, with the ultimate goal of better guiding and assessing therapeutic intervention.
* To assist the Gaucher medical community with the development of recommendations for monitoring patients, and to provide reports on patient outcomes, to optimize patient care.
* To characterize the Gaucher disease population.
* To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of imiglucerase and of eliglustat.
Gaucher Pregnancy Sub-registry: The primary objective of this Sub-registry is to track pregnancy outcomes, including complications and infant growth, in all women with Gaucher disease during pregnancy, regardless of whether they receive disease-specific therapy. No experimental intervention is given; thus a patient will undergo clinical assessments and receive standard of care treatment as determined by the patient's physician.If a patient consents to this Sub-registry, information about the patient's medical and obstetric history, pregnancy, and birth will be collected, and, if a patient consents to data collection for her infant, data on infant growth through month 36 postpartum will be collected. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
All
Trial Updated:
08/12/2025
Locations: Children's Health Care- Site Number : 840114, Minneapolis, Minnesota +2 locations
Children's Health Care- Site Number : 840114, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Children's Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota- Site Number : 840046, Minneapolis, Minnesota
University of Minnesota Medical Center Pediatrics- Site Number : 840076, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Conditions: Gaucher Disease, Cerebroside Lipidosis Syndrome, Glucocerebrosidase Deficiency Disease, Glucosylceramide Beta-Glucosidase Deficiency Disease
Paid Clinical Trials in Minnesota
Researchers in the state of Minnesota are actively recruiting new volunteers for paid clinical trials. There are many current and upcoming studies that offer monetary or non-monetary compensation.
Compensation varies with the time a study demands, not the risk involved. Residential Phase 1 studies pay the most because they require the longest commitment, while single-visit and survey studies pay less. Reimbursement can also come as childcare, transportation, parking, or mileage.
Clinical Trials For Health Volunteers in Minnesota
Healthy volunteers help research teams in Minnesota collect data that can be used as a baseline in studies. This data is then compared with the data of patients with specific diseases or health conditions.
If you want to help progress medical discoveries, check the trial listings below.
Filgrastim-Mobilized Stem Cells for Transplantation Using Unrelated Donors
Recruiting
The purpose of the study is to:
* Establish and evaluate a system for collection of filgrastim-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells from National Marrow Donor Program donors (NMDP) donors
* Assess the safety among NMDP donors of filgrastim administration and PBSC leukapheresis
* Assess the safety and efficacy of filgrastim-mobilized PBSC in unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
* Determine the acceptability of stem cell donation by filgrastim stimulated apheresis in nor... Read More
The purpose of the study is to:
* Establish and evaluate a system for collection of filgrastim-mobilized peripheral blood stem cells from National Marrow Donor Program donors (NMDP) donors
* Assess the safety among NMDP donors of filgrastim administration and PBSC leukapheresis
* Assess the safety and efficacy of filgrastim-mobilized PBSC in unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients
* Determine the acceptability of stem cell donation by filgrastim stimulated apheresis in normal donors Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
Between 18 years and 60 years
Trial Updated:
04/09/2025
Locations: Be The Match, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Be The Match, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Conditions: Healthy
In Vivo Assessment of Glutamine Utilization by Bone Marrow Plasma Cells
Recruiting
This pilot study will first establish the feasibility of an in vivo methodology of assessing the utilization of glutamine into the TCA cycle of normal bone marrow plasma cells from healthy subjects while comparing it to an ex vivo approach
This pilot study will first establish the feasibility of an in vivo methodology of assessing the utilization of glutamine into the TCA cycle of normal bone marrow plasma cells from healthy subjects while comparing it to an ex vivo approach Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
Between 18 years and 60 years
Trial Updated:
04/16/2025
Locations: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
Conditions: Healthy
A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Genetic Variation on Beta-cell Function During Fasting and Hyperglycemia in Nondiabetics
Recruiting
The GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R) gene is found on the beta cells of the pancreas. Its role is in the control of blood sugar level by enhancing insulin secretion from the pancreas after eating a meal. The purpose of this research study to find out how genetic variations in GLP1R alter insulin secretion, in the fasting state and when blood sugars levels are elevated.
The GLP-1 receptor (GLP1R) gene is found on the beta cells of the pancreas. Its role is in the control of blood sugar level by enhancing insulin secretion from the pancreas after eating a meal. The purpose of this research study to find out how genetic variations in GLP1R alter insulin secretion, in the fasting state and when blood sugars levels are elevated. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
Between 25 years and 65 years
Trial Updated:
07/01/2025
Locations: Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota
Conditions: Healthy
A Study to Evaluate Breathing Muscle Training in Cardiac Rehab
Recruiting
The purpose of this study is to understand if breathing muscle training combined with cardiac rehabilitation influences the blood flow and blood pressure response during exercise.
The purpose of this study is to understand if breathing muscle training combined with cardiac rehabilitation influences the blood flow and blood pressure response during exercise. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
18 years and above
Trial Updated:
07/14/2025
Locations: Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota
Conditions: Healthy, Heart Failure
Glucagon Suppression by Hyperglycemia in the Presence and Absence of Amino Acid Infusion
Recruiting
This study is being done to better understand how amino acids alter the release of glucagon and insulin compared to glucose alone in health and disease.
This study is being done to better understand how amino acids alter the release of glucagon and insulin compared to glucose alone in health and disease. Read Less
Gender:
ALL
Ages:
Between 25 years and 65 years
Trial Updated:
05/30/2025
Locations: Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota
Mayo Clinic Rochester, Rochester, Minnesota
Conditions: Healthy, Type 2 Diabetes, Obesity
Minnesota Paid Clinical Trial FAQs
-
How much do paid clinical trials pay in Minnesota?
Most outpatient studies in Minnesota pay $50–$100 per completed visit, plus travel reimbursement. Compensation reflects the time a study demands rather than its risk, so residential studies with overnight stays pay the most. The exact amount appears in the consent form before you enroll.
-
Do I have to be a Mayo Clinic patient to join a trial there?
No. Many Mayo studies recruit volunteers from the general public, including healthy volunteers, and Mayo’s decentralized trial options let some participants join from home. Each study sets its own eligibility rules, so check the listing or ask the study coordinator.
-
Does Minnesota have special rules about research and my medical records?
Yes. Minnesota law requires a separate written authorization before your medical records can be used for research, on top of the standard informed consent every trial requires. Research teams handle the paperwork; you simply sign the Minnesota Research Authorization if you agree.
Medical Discoveries and Innovation in Minnesota
Minnesota’s medical community has left a mark on the healthcare industry through a series of discoveries. These discoveries have redefined treatment paradigms and transformed patient outcomes. Some of the most impactful medical innovations from the state include:
- Open-Heart Surgery: In 1952, Dr. C. Walton Lillehei, a Minnesota surgeon, performed the world’s first successful open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine. He also pioneered prostheses for cardiothoracic surgery and many other techniques and equipment.
- Implantable Pacemaker: Dr. Earl Bakken, co-founder of Medtronic, invented the first wearable, battery-powered, and implantable pacemaker in the late 1950s. This revolutionary device has since saved countless lives.
- Bone Marrow Transplantation: Dr. Robert Good performed the first successful human bone marrow transplant between two patients who weren’t identical twins. He worked for the University of Minnesota and is seen as the founder of modern immunology.
Why Minnesota Is A Great Place For Clinical Research
Geography works in volunteers’ favor here. Rochester gives southeastern Minnesota access to one of the world’s top research hospitals, the Twin Cities host the University of Minnesota plus the Allina and HealthPartners hospital networks, and Essentia Health runs studies as far north as Duluth. Mayo has also invested in decentralized trials — a 2026 Mayo study found its remote-participation infrastructure raised rural enrollment from 16.6% to 24.9% of participants.