What role do Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) play in research?

Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) are essential components in the structure of research involving human participants. Their primary role involves the approval, monitoring, and review of biomedical and behavioral research to ensure that ethical standards are maintained. This includes safeguarding the rights and welfare of research subjects by assessing whether the proposed research protocols adequately address issues like informed consent, risk management, and privacy concerns.

By fulfilling this function, IRBs help to protect participants from potential harms and ensure ethical compliance, which is vital for maintaining public trust in research. This oversight is particularly important in fields where the research might involve sensitive information or vulnerable populations. Thus, the central function of an IRB is critical for upholding ethical standards in research endeavors involving human subjects.