What must be certified by institutions conducting research involving human subjects?

The answer is that institutions conducting research involving human subjects must obtain approval from a designated Institutional Review Board (IRB). This requirement is a fundamental aspect of the ethical framework established by the Belmont Report, which emphasizes the protection of human subjects in research.

The IRB is responsible for reviewing research proposals to ensure that the rights, welfare, and safety of participants are safeguarded. It evaluates aspects such as informed consent processes, risk-benefit analysis, and overall ethical considerations associated with the study. This oversight is crucial because it helps to uphold ethical standards and promotes accountability in research involving human subjects.

While financial management documentation, informed consent, and public information sessions may be related to the conduct of research, they do not serve as the primary mechanism for ensuring ethical standards and participant protection as the IRB approval does. Thus, gaining IRB approval is essential and legally mandated for any research project involving human participants.