Use of Human Subjects in Research  

Course Introduction  

IRB      

IRBs at Stanford infrequently disapprove proposed research activities. Instead, they strive to work interactively with research investigators to assure that risks are minimized and expected benefits are maximized, and that consent procedures are adequate.

IRB members bring diverse skills, insights, and perspectives to the responsibility of reviewing research activities involving humans.

By exercising their responsibilities, IRBs promote the protection of human subjects. IRB approval provides a significant affirmation of the ethical quality of the research, and therefore offers important validation to the research investigator and the research institution.

Keep in mind that the application of ethical principles, the federal regulations (45 CFR 46), and the Stanford FWA are intended to balance society's interest in advancing scientific knowledge with its mandate to protect the rights and welfare of human subjects. IRB reviews help to achieve this balance.

Experience shows that sound ethics and good science are compatible.