Which group is primarily responsible for reviewing and approving research protocols?

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is the primary body responsible for reviewing and approving research protocols. This group is tasked with ensuring that the rights, welfare, and well-being of research participants are protected. The IRB evaluates the ethical considerations of the study, including the methods of data collection, potential risks to participants, and the adequacy of informed consent procedures. The IRB plays a critical role in maintaining ethical standards in research, ensuring that all protocols adhere to legal and institutional guidelines.

While the investigator and the research team develop the protocol and may provide the necessary information to the IRB, they do not have the authority to approve it. Although funding agencies may review research proposals for budgeting and scientific merit, they do not handle ethical approval directly. This differentiation highlights the unique and essential function of the IRB in the research process.