Who is responsible for ensuring the rights and welfare of human research subjects?

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) plays a critical role in protecting the rights and welfare of human research subjects. Established under federal regulations, the IRB is tasked with reviewing research proposals to ensure that they comply with ethical standards and legal requirements. This includes assessing the risk-to-benefit ratio of the research, ensuring informed consent processes are in place, and monitoring ongoing research to ensure that subjects are treated ethically throughout the study.

The IRB's primary responsibility is to prioritize the safety and welfare of research participants while also considering the scientific merit of the proposed studies. By conducting thorough reviews and requiring modifications when necessary, the IRB helps mitigate potential ethical issues that could arise during the research process.

Other entities, such as research ethics committees, university administration, and departments focused on research compliance, also play important roles in promoting ethical research practices. However, it is the IRB specifically recognized by regulatory bodies as the designated authority responsible for the oversight and protection of human subjects in research contexts.