An IRB, or Institutional Review Board, is a committee that reviews research studies involving human participants to ensure their rights and welfare are protected. The IRB evaluates the ethical aspects of the research, including informed consent and potential risks to participants. It is a crucial part of the research process, especially in fields like medicine and psychology. IRBs are typically composed of a diverse group of members, including scientists, ethicists, and community representatives. They operate under federal regulations and guidelines to ensure compliance with ethical standards. Researchers must obtain IRB approval before starting their studies involving human subjects.