Which entity is primarily responsible for the ethical oversight of human research?

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) holds the primary responsibility for the ethical oversight of human research. An IRB is a committee composed of individuals with a diverse range of expertise, including ethics, law, and scientific knowledge, who assess research proposals to ensure that the rights and welfare of participants are protected.

The IRB evaluates the ethical aspects of proposed research studies, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies. It reviews the potential risks and benefits of the research, the adequacy of informed consent processes, and the protections in place for vulnerable populations. By fulfilling these functions, the IRB plays a central role in maintaining ethical standards in research involving human subjects, ultimately safeguarding their well-being.

While the research team is responsible for conducting the study and adhering to ethical guidelines, the IRB provides an independent oversight mechanism to ensure that these guidelines are followed. Funding agencies may have specific requirements concerning ethical standards, but they do not directly oversee the ethical dimensions of human research. Finally, research participants have a critical role, as their consent and safety are paramount, but they are not responsible for overseeing the ethical conduct of research.