What is the function of a research ethics board?

The function of a research ethics board is to ensure ethical compliance in research proposals. Research ethics boards, often referred to as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), are tasked with reviewing research studies involving human subjects to ensure that they adhere to ethical guidelines and regulations. This includes assessing factors such as informed consent, the risk-benefit ratio, the rights and welfare of participants, and the overall integrity of the research design. By performing this function, research ethics boards help to protect participants, promote ethical standards in research, and maintain public trust in the research process.

The other choices are not the primary functions of a research ethics board. Research ethics boards do not approve medical products; their role is focused on ethical standards rather than product approval. They also do not typically provide funding for research studies; that responsibility usually falls to funding agencies or institutions. Finally, while they may review the safety measures involving participants, providing direct medical oversight is often the responsibility of qualified medical staff rather than the ethics board itself.