What does IRB stand for in research administration?

The term "IRB" stands for Institutional Review Board. This is a critical component in research administration, particularly in studies involving human subjects. The primary function of an IRB is to review research proposals to ensure that ethical standards are upheld and that the rights and welfare of participants are protected. This includes assessing the risks and benefits of the research, ensuring informed consent processes are in place, and that the research complies with applicable regulations.

Given the importance of ethical considerations in research, the IRB plays a vital role in fostering public trust and ensuring that research is conducted with integrity. The other terms listed, such as Internal Research Bureau, International Review Board, and Institutional Research Branch, do not align with the established definition and purpose of IRBs in research administration, which is specifically to safeguard the wellbeing of human subjects involved in research.