Institutional Ethics Committees, also known as Research Ethics Committees or Institutional Review Boards, are specialized panels or groups established within institutions such as hospitals, universities, or research organizations to oversee and ensure ethical standards are upheld in research involving human participants. They operate based on a set of predetermined guidelines and principles, commonly derived from ethical codes like the Belmont Report or the Declaration of Helsinki.
The primary objective of Institutional Ethics Committees (IECs) is to protect the rights, welfare, and well-being of research participants by reviewing and approving research proposals before they are conducted. They assess the ethical implications, risks, and benefits of proposed research and determine whether it complies with recognized ethical standards and legal requirements. IECs evaluate various aspects of research, including the research methods, participant recruitment, informed consent process, privacy and confidentiality, data protection, potential conflicts of interest, and potential risks to vulnerable populations.
IECs are typically made up of diverse members who collectively represent different professional backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives. They often include scientists, clinicians, ethicists, legal experts, community representatives, and sometimes even participants or their advocates.
Institutional Ethics Committees play a crucial role in fostering public trust and confidence in research by serving as an independent and objective body that reviews and monitors the ethical conduct of research studies. They not only have the authority to approve or disapprove research proposals but also regularly monitor ongoing studies to ensure continued adherence to ethical guidelines.
