Who is primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with ethical research guidelines?

The principal investigator (PI) of a research project is primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with ethical research guidelines. This responsibility encompasses numerous aspects, including the design of the study, the treatment of human or animal subjects, and adherence to institutional and federal regulations. The PI is tasked with maintaining the integrity of the research process, ensuring that all ethical standards are met, and that participants’ rights and welfare are protected.

The PI is typically the lead researcher who is directly involved in the execution of the project and is in the best position to monitor the daily operations and make certain that ethical considerations are always at the forefront. While the Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews the proposed research to ensure ethical standards are upheld, the IRB's role is more about oversight rather than direct compliance management, which remains the responsibility of the PI.

Therefore, the role of the principal investigator is crucial in not only initiating a study but also in upholding the highest ethical standards throughout the lifespan of the research project.