What is the essential gatekeeping role of professionals in Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)?

Answer

Reviewing research protocols to assess risks versus benefits.

Institutional Review Boards, or IRBs, function as essential regulatory bodies within research settings, acting as gatekeepers for studies involving human subjects. The core duty of professionals staffing these boards is the rigorous evaluation of proposed research protocols. This evaluation centers on a careful balancing act: assessing the potential scientific benefits of the study against the inherent risks posed to the participants. Furthermore, they confirm that appropriate procedures for obtaining informed consent are established and operational, thereby safeguarding participant safety and upholding public trust in the research enterprise, which is particularly critical for maintaining federal research grants.

What is the essential gatekeeping role of professionals in Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)?

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