What is the role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is fundamentally centered on ensuring ethical standards are maintained in research involving human participants. This involves reviewing research proposals to assess potential risks and benefits, ensuring that the rights and welfare of participants are protected throughout the research process. The IRB evaluates whether participants are fully informed about the study they are joining, including any possible risks, and ensures that their consent is obtained without coercion.

In this capacity, the IRB acts as a critical oversight body that helps maintain public trust in research by safeguarding participants’ rights and well-being. The focus on ethical standards underscores the IRB’s importance in the research community, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and ethical norms.