What does the acronym IRB/IEC stand for?

The acronym IRB/IEC stands for Institutional Review Board/Independent Ethical Committee. This designation is crucial in the context of medical research and publications because it refers to a group that has been formally designated to review and monitor biomedical research involving human subjects. Their primary purpose is to ensure the protection of the rights and welfare of the research participants.

The "Institutional Review Board" part of the acronym emphasizes that this body is affiliated with a specific institution and oversees the ethical conduct of research within that institution. Meanwhile, "Independent Ethical Committee" connotes a group that provides an unbiased assessment of the ethical implications of research proposals, ensuring adherence to established ethical standards.

A thorough understanding of the functions and responsibilities of IRBs and IECs is essential for those involved in the medical publishing industry, as they play a vital role in safeguarding participant rights and ensuring that studies proceed with ethical integrity.