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Participate in a Study

VTTI frequently seeks volunteers to participate in its various transportation-related research studies. Volunteers are selected based on whether they meet the requirements for the objectives specific to the study. All participation is voluntary, and participants may withdraw at any time.

What does volunteering involve?

VTTI conducts studies in various locations across the country, and most studies provide modest compensation. All participation is voluntary and participants may withdraw at any time.

To learn more about participation in our research studies, please call 540-231-1583 and leave a message or complete this form.

Please note that, by completing the form, you are not agreeing to participate in any particular study. You are simply submitting your name and information for contact by a VTTI research team member when recruiting for a study. Any information you provide will remain confidential and will not be shared with others outside of VTTI.

How do I participate?

Specific Studies

VTTI is seeking individuals in the New River Valley and Roanoke Valley area to participate in a research study. This project will involve having your personal vehicle instrumented with sensors and cameras for eight weeks. Participants will drive as they normally do. Participants will try technologies that block calls or notifications when they are driving and complete surveys.

To qualify, volunteers must have valid U.S. licenses, live, work, or drive in the New River Valley or Roanoke area, sometimes use an iPhone or Samsung Galaxy while driving, and be aged 18-60.

Volunteers will be compensated up to $500 for full participation. All data will be kept strictly confidential.

To learn more, please contact either:

Be sure to provide your name and contact information. Reference the “Do Not Disturb Study” in the message. (IRB #21-868)

VTTI is seeking individuals in the New River Valley and Roanoke Valley area to participate in a research study. This project will involve driving one of VTTI's research vehicles for four weeks. In addition, participants will be asked to complete surveys and drive the study vehicle along a planned route on I-81 several times during their participation.

To qualify, volunteers must have valid U.S. licenses, live, work, or drive in the New River Valley or Roanoke area, and be aged 18-25, 35-55 or 70+.

The research vehicles in this project are newer models with advanced technology and volunteers will be compensated up to $450 for full participation. All data will be kept strictly confidential.

To learn more, please contact us at:

Please reference the "Horizon Study" in the message, along with your name and contact information. (IRB #20-309)

Do you own or drive a 1996 or newer vehicle? VTTI is looking for experienced drivers, aged 65+, to participate in a research study. Preference for those who limit the locations and/or distances they drive. Maximum compensation is $500. Participation is 3 months. (IRB #21-468)

Interested? Contact: 540-231-0988 or roadtrip@vtti.vt.edu and mention the "ROAD TRIP Study".

VTTI is seeking individuals who:

  • are aged 60 and up
  • have a valid U.S. driver's license

Total participation time is one visit, lasting about 1.5 hours. Drive a research vehicle, and perform various parking tasks, on a closed course at the VTTI facility. This project provides compensation of $50 for full participation.

Your data will be kept strictly confidential.

To learn more, please call 540-231-2308 or email drivers@vtti.vt.edu. Reference the “Parking Study” in your message. (IRB #18-1098)

VTTI is seeking individuals, aged 18 to 75, to drive a research vehicle to assess drowsiness detection and prevention strategies on a long drive on public roadways.

Participation consists of one visit for approximately 5 to 6 hours and offers compensation of $275. Inclusiveness is important. Individuals of ethnic diversity, various facial features, stature, etc. are needed.

Contact: 540-231-1583 or drivers@vtti.vt.edu and mention the "Starlight" study. (IRB #22-597)

Commercial motor vehicle driver

VTTI is currently seeking individuals who:

  • Are ages 18 and above;
  • Have a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License (CDL);
  • Drive a commercial motor vehicle such as a tractor-trailer or bus as part of their job;
  • Are willing to participate in a study in Blacksburg, Virginia; and
  • Are able to read and complete questionnaires.

If you meet the above requirements and are interested in hearing about future research opportunities involving truck drivers, please complete this form. Any information you provide will remain confidential and will not be shared with others outside of VTTI.

Sign Up

VTTI is currently seeking individuals who:

  • Are ages 21 and above
  • Have a valid Class-A or Class-B Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A or CDL-B)
  • Actively drive a large truck such as a tractor-trailer, straight truck, construction type of truck, etc. as part of their job
  • Willing to drive in a simulator located in Blacksburg, Virginia, not on roadways
  • Are not prone to motion sickness

Participation includes coming to VTTI for 2 separate sessions, scheduled on different days (4 hours each). Compensation of up to $500 will be provided for full participation.

If you, or someone you know, meet the above requirements, and are interested in hearing more about this study, please call 540-231-1583 or email, CDLdrivers@vtti.vt.edu and mention the "Automated Truck" study.

Any information provided will remain confidential and will not be shared with others outside of VTTI. (IRB #21-827)