What can enhance public trust in research according to IRB objectives?

Minimizing risks is fundamental to enhancing public trust in research as outlined by the objectives of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs). When researchers actively work to reduce potential risks to participants, it demonstrates a commitment to the safety and well-being of those involved in the study. This approach helps to assure the public that ethical standards are being upheld, fostering confidence in the research process.

A focus on risk minimization also aligns with the ethical principles of research, particularly respect for persons and beneficence, which emphasize the need to protect individuals from harm and to maximize benefits while minimizing risks. When participants feel safe and respected, they are more likely to trust the research community as a whole.

In contrast, while increasing participant compensation, maximizing researcher publications, and lengthening review periods may have their own merits in different contexts, they do not directly address participant safety and the ethical conduct of research in the same way. Public trust is primarily built through transparency, safety, and ethical considerations, which are essential for participants to feel secure in their involvement in research.