ethicskommitté

An ethics committee, often referred to as an ethics board or institutional review board (IRB), is a group responsible for reviewing and approving research involving human subjects. Its primary purpose is to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of participants. Committees typically comprise scientists, ethicists, clinicians, statisticians, and community members.

The review process involves assessing the ethical acceptability of a research study's design, methodology, and recruitment procedures. Key considerations include informed consent, confidentiality, risk-benefit analysis, and the equitable selection of participants. Committees ensure that research adheres to established ethical principles and regulations, such as those outlined in the Belmont Report and the Declaration of Helsinki.

Beyond initial approval, ethics committees often conduct ongoing oversight of approved research projects to ensure continued compliance with ethical standards. They may require amendments to study protocols or even suspend research if ethical concerns arise. The work of ethics committees is crucial for fostering public trust in scientific research and upholding the integrity of the research enterprise. While the specific structure and terminology may vary internationally, the fundamental role of safeguarding human research participants remains universal.