Ethics review boards

Ethics review boards, often called Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), are committees that assess research proposals to ensure they comply with ethical standards. Their primary role is to protect the rights, well-being, and dignity of research participants. Before a study can begin, the board evaluates factors such as informed consent, potential risks, and benefits to ensure that the research is conducted responsibly. This oversight helps maintain public trust in research practices and ensures that ethical guidelines are upheld, particularly in studies involving human subjects or sensitive data.