Masgutova Graduate School
THE MASGUTOVA
GRADUATE SCHOOL
OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCES

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is a committee established to review and oversee research involving human participants to ensure their rights, welfare, and privacy are protected. The primary purpose of the IRB is to safeguard the ethical conduct of research and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Key Functions of an IRB:

  • Ethical Review: Evaluate research proposals to ensure they are ethically sound and that risks to participants are minimized.
  • Informed Consent: Ensure that researchers provide participants with clear, comprehensive information about the study and obtain their voluntary consent.
  • Risk-Benefit Assessment: Assess the balance between potential risks to participants and the potential benefits of the research.
  • Compliance: Ensure that research complies with relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards, such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations.

Composition of an IRB:
An IRB typically includes a diverse group of members, such as:

  • Scientists and researchers familiar with the study area.
  • Non-scientific members, to provide a broader perspective.
  • Community representatives, to represent the views of the general public.
  • Experts in ethics or law, depending on the nature of the research.

When is IRB Approval Required?
IRB approval is generally required for any research involving human subjects, particularly if:

  • The research involves interventions or interactions with participants.
  • Personal or sensitive information about participants is collected.
  • It is funded by federal agencies or conducted in institutions subject to specific regulations.
  • By ensuring ethical research practices, IRBs play a critical role in fostering trust between researchers and the community while protecting participants' rights and welfare.

How to Apply for MGS IRB Approval?