In research ethics, what does IRB stand for?

The term IRB stands for Institutional Review Board. This is a committee established to review and approve research involving human subjects, ensuring that the research complies with ethical standards and protects the rights and welfare of the participants. The IRB's primary responsibility is to assess risk vs. benefit, informed consent processes, and the overall study design to safeguard individuals involved in the research.

The significance of the IRB lies in its role in upholding ethical standards in research. Researchers must submit their study proposals to the IRB for review before commencing their work, which helps ensure that potential ethical issues are identified and addressed. The IRB is essential for maintaining public trust in the research process, particularly in studies involving sensitive topics or vulnerable populations.