What is a primary goal of ethical review boards in research?

The primary goal of ethical review boards, often referred to as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), is to safeguard participant rights and welfare. These boards are established to ensure that research involving human subjects is conducted ethically and responsibly. This involves evaluating study protocols to protect participants from potential risks, ensuring informed consent is obtained, and confirming that the benefits of the research justify any risks involved.

Ethical review boards focus on various aspects of research, including the adequacy of the informed consent process, the assessment of risks versus benefits, and the overall ethical implications of the research design. By prioritizing the welfare and rights of participants, these boards play a crucial role in maintaining public trust in the research process and fostering ethical standards in scientific inquiry.

While profitability, promoting only favorable findings, and accelerating approval processes may be considerations in the broader context of research, they do not align with the fundamental ethical responsibilities that guide the work of review boards. Protecting participants is the cornerstone of ethical research oversight.