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

The primary purpose of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to ensure that ethical standards are met in research involving human participants. The IRB plays a critical role in protecting the rights and welfare of individuals by reviewing research protocols to assess potential risks and benefits. This process helps to ensure that researchers obtain informed consent, maintain confidentiality, and implement measures to minimize risk to participants. The work of an IRB is essential in fostering ethical research practices and promoting public trust in research activities.

While approving funding for research projects, promoting research collaboration, and providing training on grant writing are important aspects of the research landscape, they fall outside the core responsibility of an IRB. The IRB's specific focus is on the ethical implications of research involving human subjects, making its function distinct and vital in the realm of research ethics.