What is the primary purpose of the Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The primary purpose of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to protect the rights and welfare of human research subjects. This is essential in research involving human participants, as it ensures that their dignity, rights, safety, and well-being are paramount. The IRB achieves this by reviewing research proposals to assess risks and benefits, ensuring that informed consent is obtained, and monitoring ongoing research for compliance with ethical standards.

The IRB's role is fundamentally centered around ethical considerations and safeguarding the interests of participants in research studies. This includes evaluating the potential for harm, ensuring adequate protections are in place, and promoting ethical standards within the research community. By fulfilling this role, the IRB helps maintain public trust in the research process and ensures that research adheres to federal regulations and ethical guidelines.