Evaluation of the National Institutes of Health Program for Human Subjects Protection

Researchers are required to protect the rights and well-being of people who participate in federally funded studies.

This project examined the adequacy of human subjects protections afforded through institutional review boards (IRBs), or committees established to ensure ethical research methods. It included a nationally representative sample of more than 2,000 researchers, IRB chairs and members, administrators, and institution officials.

The evaluation concluded that human subjects protections were implemented effectively in a way that was consistent with federal regulations. The final report included recommendations to strengthen IRB operations, oversight, and education and training.