What role do external collaborators play in the IRB process?

External collaborators play a significant role in the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process, as their involvement can influence the ethical oversight of a research study. When external collaborators are involved, it is essential to disclose their participation to the IRB. This disclosure is crucial because the IRB needs to assess the qualifications of these collaborators and how their roles may impact the welfare of the research participants.

Furthermore, the nature of the collaboration can sometimes necessitate additional oversight to ensure compliance with ethical standards and regulations. This oversight may involve additional review processes or requirements that ensure proper protection of participant rights and welfare, especially if the external collaborators are from different institutions or if they have specific expertise that affects the research's ethical dimensions.

Recognizing the role of external collaborators in this way helps maintain the integrity of the research process and assures that all team members adhere to the same ethical standards, ultimately safeguarding the interests of participants involved in the study.