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 primary goal of an IRB is to assess the ethical aspects of the research, ensuring that participants are not exposed to unnecessary risks and that their informed consent is obtained. IRBs are typically composed of a diverse group of members, including scientists, ethicists, and community representatives. They evaluate research proposals based on ethical guidelines and federal regulations, helping to maintain the integrity of the research process while safeguarding the well-being of participants.