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

• A. Reviews and approves research studies involving human subjects
• B. Monitors budgets and financial compliance
• C. Recruits participants for studies
• D. Publishes trial results

Answer: (B)

An Institutional Review Board's primary role is to protect the rights and welfare of people who participate in research by reviewing and approving studies that involve human subjects. The IRB carefully evaluates the study to ensure risks to participants are minimized, benefits justify those risks, informed consent is clear and voluntary, and privacy and confidentiality protections are in place. It also checks that vulnerable populations are safeguarded and that ongoing monitoring is in place so any new risks can be addressed promptly. This function is distinct from budgeting, participant recruitment, or publishing results, which are handled by finance teams, research staff, and investigators or journals respectively.