What is the IRB's role in minimizing risks to research subjects?

The role of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) in minimizing risks to research subjects is fundamentally centered around the assessment and potential mitigation of those risks. The IRB evaluates research proposals, ensuring that risks to participants are identified, minimized, and are outweighed by the potential benefits of the research. This involves a thorough review of the study's design, methods, informed consent, and how participants will be treated throughout the process. The goal is to safeguard the well-being and rights of individuals involved in research, emphasizing ethical considerations and compliance with regulations.

Other options, such as providing health insurance, ensuring funding, or conducting research themselves, do not align with the core responsibilities of the IRB. The IRB's primary focus is on participant safety and ethical oversight, rather than financial aspects or direct involvement in research execution. This critical role helps build public trust in the research process by ensuring that ethical standards are upheld.