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

The primary function of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research. This responsibility is central to ensuring that ethical standards are upheld throughout the research process. The IRB accomplishes this by reviewing research protocols to assess risks, ensuring informed consent procedures are appropriate, and monitoring ongoing research for compliance with ethical guidelines.

Protecting human subjects includes evaluating the potential risks of the research against its benefits, ensuring that participants are adequately informed about the nature of the study, and guaranteeing that their participation is voluntary. The IRB serves as an independent entity that helps maintain the integrity of the research process and provides oversight to safeguard the interests of participants.

Other roles, such as managing budgets, providing training, or recruiting participants, are not within the primary focus of an IRB. While these activities may be important for the overall success of a clinical trial, they do not align with the core ethical mandate of an IRB, which is to prioritize the safety and rights of the individuals who participate in research studies.