An Institutional Review Board (IRB) 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, risk assessment, and the potential benefits of the study. IRBs are typically found in academic institutions, hospitals, and research organizations. They play a crucial role in maintaining ethical standards in research, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering public trust in scientific studies. Researchers must obtain IRB approval before starting their projects involving human subjects.