Which agency is primarily responsible for human research protection in federally-funded studies?

The Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) is the agency primarily responsible for ensuring that human research is conducted ethically and in compliance with federal regulations related to research involving human subjects. OHRP’s primary role is to oversee and enforce the ethical standards laid out in the regulations known as the Common Rule, which applies to federally funded research. This includes ensuring that institutions receiving federal funding comply with ethical standards, that informed consent is obtained from participants, and that risks to participants are minimized.

OHRP also provides guidance, resources, and education to researchers, institutions, and institutional review boards (IRBs), thereby promoting best practices in human research protection. This emphasis on ethical compliance and participant welfare sets OHRP apart as the central agency for overseeing human research protections in studies funded by the federal government.