What is an ethical review board?

An ethical review board, also known as an Institutional Review Board (IRB), is a committee specifically designed to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects involved in research activities. This board evaluates research proposals to ensure they meet ethical standards, reviewing aspects such as informed consent, risk versus benefit assessments, and the overall integrity of the research process. The primary focus is on safeguarding participants from potential harm and ensuring that researchers adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations.

This role is critical in maintaining public trust in the research process and ensuring compliance with ethical standards set forth by institutions and governmental regulations. The ethical review board’s work is foundational in various fields, particularly in clinical trials and social research, where the involvement of human participants necessitates stringent ethical scrutiny.