More than 250,000 people - enough to fill St Mary's Stadium eight times over - have taken part in pioneering medical research in Southampton.
The milestone has been reached by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) at University Hospital Southampton (UHS).
Researchers study the causes of disease as well as testing the safety and effectiveness of new treatments.
Paul Grundy, chief medical officer at UHS, said: "Hospitals engaged in research achieve better outcomes for patients, providing early access to new and emerging therapies.
"I want to share my thanks to all the patients and volunteers who have contributed to research over the years at the hospital. You are advancing healthcare that will benefit future generations."
Research has been an important pillar of UHS since it joined forces with the University of Southampton 50 years ago.
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Former soldier Keith Goodin, 60, became the 250,000th person to take part in clinical trials and studies.
The delivery driver began to get chest pains and initially thought he was suffering from heartburn or indigestion. When the pains persisted he was asked if he would like to join a research programme.
He was given a CT scan and was shocked to discover he had coronary heart disease.
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A UHS spokesperson said: "Keith has always lived an active lifestyle. He doesn’t drink alcohol and says he’s never been the type to sit and watch TV all day.
"Until five years ago he was part of a five-a-side football team and used to be a cross-country runner. During his working day he carries heavy furniture and in his spare time enjoys fishing and walking.
"He's found it hard to come to terms with his diagnosis but now knows what the problem is and can do something about it.
"He’s greatly cut down on smoking and intends to cut back even further if he can. He’s also changed his diet, reducing the amount of fatty and sugary food he eats.
"He says that if he met someone else in a similar situation, he would '100 percent' recommend taking part in research."
Keith added: "I’m glad they’ve found it because I can change my lifestyle. I feel better now because I know what I’ve got to do.
“If I hadn’t gone on the study, would I have got that scan? I’m glad I did because I knew there was something wrong with my body.”
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