What is the primary responsibility of oversight bodies (such as an IRB or IACUC)?

The primary responsibility of oversight bodies, such as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) or Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUCs), is to ensure that research projects comply with regulatory requirements. This encompasses evaluating research proposals to protect the rights and welfare of human participants in studies involving people or to ensure the ethical treatment of animals in research. These bodies review the methods and procedures used in research to identify any potential risks or ethical concerns and to ensure that the benefits of the research justify those risks.

Oversight bodies are not designed to provide funding for research projects, assist researchers in conducting experiments, or design research protocols, although they may offer guidance on these matters. Their main role is focused on oversight and compliance, which is crucial for maintaining ethical standards in research. This compliance ensures the research is conducted in a manner that respects the rights of participants and adheres to legal and ethical standards set by relevant authorities.