Ethical Review Boards

Ethical review boards, often called Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), are committees that evaluate research proposals to ensure they meet ethical standards. Their main goal is to protect the rights, well-being, and privacy of participants involved in research, especially in fields like medicine or social sciences. They assess potential risks and benefits, ensuring informed consent and fairness in the research process. By reviewing studies before they begin, ethical review boards help prevent unethical practices and promote responsible research that respects and protects individuals and communities.