What is one of the primary responsibilities of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

One of the primary responsibilities of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to safeguard the rights and well-being of trial subjects. This includes reviewing research studies to ensure that they are ethically designed and that the participants are not subjected to unnecessary risks. The IRB assesses the informed consent process, evaluates potential risks and benefits, and ensures that the research complies with ethical guidelines and regulations. By prioritizing the welfare of participants, the IRB helps foster trust in the research process and ensures that individuals who contribute to studies do so with adequate protections in place.

The other options do not align with the core mission of the IRB. For instance, approving all research proposals regardless of risk would compromise the safety of participants and contradict ethical standards. Conducting research themselves goes beyond the IRB's role, which is to monitor and review rather than engage in direct research activities. Ensuring funding for research projects also falls outside the IRB's responsibilities, which focus solely on ethical oversight rather than financial considerations.