What does IRB stand for in research oversight?

• A. Institutional Review Board
• B. International Research Board
• C. Independent Review Board
• D. Integrated Research Bureau

Answer: (A)

IRB stands for Institutional Review Board, a committee at research institutions that protects the rights and welfare of people who participate in research. Before a study involving humans can start, the IRB reviews the protocol to ensure risks are minimized and reasonable in relation to potential benefits, that informed consent will be obtained and presented clearly, and that participant privacy and data confidentiality are safeguarded. The IRB also provides ongoing oversight, monitoring for new risks and ensuring compliance; it can require changes, suspend, or discontinue a study if ethical or safety standards are not met. This oversight framework is anchored in regulatory guidance like the Common Rule, which mandates IRB review in many research settings. The other terms listed aren’t standard designations for this oversight function.