What is the primary role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?

The primary role of an Institutional Review Board (IRB) is to review research proposals to ensure the protection of human subjects. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of research protocols to assess the risks and benefits associated with the study, ensuring that the rights and welfare of participants are safeguarded. The IRB examines factors such as informed consent processes, potential risks and ethical considerations, and compliance with regulatory guidelines.

IRBs are fundamental in maintaining ethical standards in research involving humans, ensuring that researchers uphold their responsibilities towards participants. This review process is essential in fostering trust in the research community and contributing to ethical research practices overall.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the IRB's role. While they might involve aspects related to research, they do not encompass the core mission of protecting human subjects as mandated by regulatory bodies. For example, approving research proposals without modifications does not align with the IRB's purpose of thorough evaluation, and conducting research themselves, or facilitating funding, diverges from their function of oversight and human subject protection.