institutional review boards (IRB)

An Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee that reviews research studies involving people to ensure they are ethical and that participants are protected from harm. They evaluate the study’s design, risks, and benefits, and confirm that participants give informed consent. IRBs are essential in safeguarding the rights and well-being of individuals participating in research, whether it's medical trials or social science studies. Their oversight helps ensure that research is conducted responsibly, ethically, and in accordance with established guidelines and regulations.