Description: The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a group of experts responsible for reviewing research proposals to ensure compliance with ethical standards and the protection of participants. Its primary function is to evaluate research protocols, ensuring that the rights, dignity, and welfare of the subjects involved are respected. This includes reviewing aspects such as informed consent, confidentiality, and risk minimization. IRBs are fundamental in the fields of biomedical and social research, as their work helps prevent abuses and promotes responsible practices in research. Additionally, their existence fosters public trust in scientific research by ensuring that it is conducted ethically and transparently. IRB members typically include professionals from various disciplines, such as physicians, scientists, lawyers, and community representatives, allowing for a comprehensive and multidimensional evaluation of research proposals. In summary, the Institutional Review Board is an essential pillar in modern research, ensuring that high ethical standards are maintained and participants’ rights are protected.
History: Institutional Review Boards emerged in response to the need to protect participants in research, especially after ethical scandals such as the Tuskegee syphilis study, which began in 1932 and exposed participants to risks without their informed consent. In 1974, the U.S. Congress passed the National Research Act, which established the requirement for institutions receiving federal funds to have an IRB. Since then, the structure and function of these committees have expanded and standardized, being regulated by the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) and the FDA in the U.S.
Uses: Institutional Review Boards are primarily used in the fields of medical and social research to evaluate the ethics of studies involving human subjects. Their role is to ensure that participants’ rights are protected and that studies are conducted ethically. Additionally, they are essential for the approval of research projects before they begin, ensuring compliance with established ethical regulations and standards.
Examples: An example of an Institutional Review Board is one found in universities and hospitals, where they review clinical research involving trials of new medications. Another example is the IRB that evaluates social studies investigating human behavior, ensuring that respondents’ rights are respected.
