The Horizon Study is a research initiative at the University of Pittsburgh in partnership with UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center). Our physicians, nurses, and scientists are building a research resource to better understand why some people develop certain health conditions while others do not — and how genetics, lifestyle, and environment interact to shape long-term health.

By combining biological samples with health record information, researchers can identify patterns that may lead to better prevention strategies and more personalized approaches to care in the future.

Participation is simple and requires one visit.

You would:

• Provide permission for the research team to review relevant information from your UPMC electronic health record (such as diagnoses, lab results, and medications).
• Attend one in-person appointment in Oakland.
• Provide a small set of biological samples: Blood, saliva, stool, and urine. The visit will take about 30 minutes. No fasting is required.

Biological samples are analyzed using advanced research techniques, including genetic sequencing. Your name and identifying details are removed and replaced with a coded study number. De-identified data may be shared with qualified researchers to support additional scientific studies.

There is no direct medical benefit. However, your involvement helps build a research foundation that may improve how diseases are predicted, prevented, and treated in the future.

Horizon is a research study, not a clinical testing program. Individual genetic results or lab findings are not returned. The goal is to learn from patterns across many participants rather than provide personal medical reports.

Risks are minimal. Blood draws may cause brief discomfort, bruising, or light swelling. As with any research involving health information, there is a small risk of loss of confidentiality; strict safeguards are in place to reduce this risk.

Protecting participant privacy is a top priority. Identifiable information is stored separately from research data and accessible only to authorized study personnel. Federal protections, including the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), prohibit discrimination by health insurers and most employers based on genetic information.

Call us at 412-624-1100 or send email to HorizonStudy@pitt.edu.