What is the main purpose of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs)?

The primary function of Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) is to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects participating in research projects. IRBs play a crucial role in reviewing research proposals to ensure that the ethical guidelines are met, particularly concerning the informed consent process, potential risks to participants, and the overall integrity of the research process. By focusing on participant protection, IRBs ensure that human subjects are treated ethically and that their rights are upheld throughout the research.

While ensuring compliance with federal regulations is certainly a component of an IRB's responsibilities, the overarching goal is to safeguard human subjects. Funding research projects and providing research grants are not within the primary functions of an IRB; these activities are typically managed by other bodies or institutions. Thus, the main purpose revolves fundamentally around the protection and welfare of individuals involved in research.