In what setting do ethical review boards operate?

Ethical review boards, often referred to as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), are essential components in the context of clinical research. They operate to ensure the protection of participants involved in clinical studies. Their primary function is to review research proposals for ethical considerations, assessing the risks and benefits to participants, ensuring that informed consent will be obtained, and that the privacy and confidentiality of participants will be maintained.

This protective role is critical because clinical research often involves risks to human subjects, and the boards provide a necessary oversight mechanism. They promote ethical standards and compliance with regulations, contributing to the integrity and credibility of the research process.

In contrast, while ethical review boards can exist in corporate settings, academic institutions, and within pharmaceutical companies, their operations are not confined to these environments alone. Rather, their overarching goal is to safeguard the rights and welfare of participants in the context of clinical research conducted across various settings. Thus, ethical review boards fulfill a broad mandate that extends beyond specific institutional affiliations or corporate interests, focusing solely on ethical oversight and participant safety in research.