What is the main purpose of ethics committees in research?

The main purpose of ethics committees in research is to monitor ethical compliance and participant safety. These committees, often known as Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), play a critical role in ensuring that research involving human participants is conducted ethically and responsibly. This involves reviewing research proposals to assess the potential risks to participants, ensuring that informed consent processes are appropriate, and confirming that the research adheres to established ethical guidelines.

By focusing on participant safety, ethics committees help to protect individuals from harm, ensure that their rights are respected, and promote integrity in the conduct of research. This oversight contributes to the trustworthiness of the research process, fosters public confidence in research studies, and reinforces the commitment to ethical standards within the scientific community.

Other roles mentioned, such as approving funding, providing statistical support, or conducting research, fall outside the primary responsibilities of ethics committees, which are specifically centered around ensuring ethical standards and safeguarding the welfare of research participants.