What role does the Institutional Review Board (IRB) play in research?

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) plays a vital role in overseeing research involving human subjects to ensure that ethical standards are upheld. The primary function of an IRB is to review research proposals before they commence, assessing their potential risks to participants and ensuring that adequate protections are in place. This includes evaluating the informed consent process, ensuring that participants are fully aware of their rights and what the research entails. The IRB aims to ensure that research is conducted ethically and in compliance with regulations that protect the welfare and rights of participants.

The process involves scrutinizing the research design, identifying any potential ethical issues, and determining whether the benefits outweigh the risks involved. This oversight is crucial in maintaining public trust in research processes and ensuring that the dignity and rights of participants are respected throughout the study. By fulfilling its mandate, the IRB serves as a critical gatekeeper in the research process, facilitating ethical research practices within the scientific community.